In the years after David Orr’s election in 1979, independent Democrats continued to organize in Rogers Park. The movement gained momentum when Orr was re-elected alderman of the 49th ward in 1983, defeating Nancy Kelly. That same year, Chicago elected its first African-American mayor: Harold Washington. The success of Washington and Orr confirmed the growing power of independent Democrats even as they continued to face resistance by machine politicians in city council. Click the buttons below to learn more about key local politicians in 1983 and the Rogers Park citizens who voted for them.
