Alma Anaya: Candidate for Cook County Commissioner, 7th District


WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for office in the March 20 election.

Candidates were given two minutes to tell voters where they stand on the issues, why they feel they are best qualified and what they intend to do if elected or re-elected. The messages were recorded at the WTTW studios at no cost to the candidates. The Voters’ Guide is an online version of Candidate Free Time, pioneered by WTTW in the 1992 race for U.S. Senate. This year’s Candidate Free Time is produced with and underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County.

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About this office: Cook County Commissioner

Seventeen elected Commissioners constitute the Cook County Board, the governing policy board and legislative body of Cook County. The Board sets policy and laws for the county regarding public health and public safety and oversees safety and maintenance of county highways. The Board approves the annual budget and oversees financial integrity of the County.

About this candidate:

Name: Alma Anaya
DOB: June 19, 1989
Residence: Chicago
Family: Single – My Mom and 2 sisters and a brother living here in Chicago.
Occupation: Director of Administration for Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia
Political Experience: Local School Council at Orozco Community Academy.
Website: almaforcookcounty.com

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

I am the most qualified candidate with 6 years of experience working with Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia. I understand the policy and legislative issues with the County’s criminal justice system, Health and Hospitals the two main concerns of County business. I plan to build on the work of Commissioner Garcia and work to find reliable and predictable funding sources that do not negatively impact working families in Cook County, continue with reforms of Cook County criminal justice system with an enhanced focus on juvenile detention and finally improving services in Cook County Health and Hospital system.

Candidate Statement

Hi, my name is Alma Anaya and I’m running for Cook County Commissioner of the 7th District.

For the past six years, I have worked side by side with Commissioner Chuy Garcia to improve the lives of the residents of Cook County. We expanded health care services, appealed property taxes and reduced the jail population. As Commissioner, I plan to continue this progressive legacy and fight for the working men and women of this district. 

I came to this country at the age of six from Mexico with my family and was undocumented for eleven years. We overcame homelessness and domestic violence. My mother raised us on the south side of Chicago and instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. I attended public schools and worked my way through my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

I worked hard to get here; nothing has been handed to me.

I am proud to have earned the support of Chuy Garcia and many residents of the 7th district.

When elected, I will fight to fix the broken property tax system that unfairly makes our working families pay too much. 

I will introduce legislation to find alternatives for mass incarceration, which is costing us too much money and tearing apart our communities.

I will ensure that Cook County protects the rights and safety of our Immigrant families.

This election presents a stark choice between two women: one who is supported by her politician father and his wealthy donors, or me: a progressive, community leader who is supported by the people and wants to get big money out of politics.

I am committed to making Cook County a healthy, accessible, and safe place to live.

Again, I am Alma Anaya and I am running to represent you on the Cook County Board. I ask for your vote on election day this March 20th. Thank you.

See more candidates for Cook County commissioner, 7th County Board District.

Return to our 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary


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