High school freshman, 14, Chicago's youngest 40th ward Democratic Deputy Committeewoman

ByJalyn Henderson WLS logo
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
High school freshman, 14, Chicago's youngest 40th ward Democratic Deputy Committeewoman
At just 14 years old, a North Side high school freshman has made history as the youngest Democratic Deputy Committeewoman of Chicago's 40th Ward.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- At just 14 years old, a North Side high school freshman has made history as the youngest Democratic Deputy Committeewoman of Chicago's 40th Ward.

"I feel like people see me and they're like 'She's a little young'" said Ana Lopez-Alcantar.

Lopez-Alcantar has campaigned for Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and even Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

40th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Maggie O'Keefe calls Alcantar an inspiration for future generation voters.

"Ana found me at the beginning of 2019 when I ran for alderman," said O'Keefe. "So when I decided to run for committeeperson she was one of the first people to come and step up and knock on doors with me again and talk to neighbors."

Lopez-Alcantar says adults are often surprised at her interest in politics.

"They're like 'You're 14?' I'm like yeah there aren't many teenagers that care about politics but here I am standing right in front of you caring about politics and my future," she said.

Despite some skeptics, Lopez-Alcantar says she keeps pushing on.

"I feel like as long as I can go to the table it doesn't really matter what everybody else thinks."