Emma Mitts

Emma Mitts (born June 12, 1955) is alderman of the 37th ward on Chicago's West Side. The predominantly African-American ward includes portions of Austin, West Garfield Park and West Humboldt Park. She has represented the ward since 2000.^[1]

Emma Mitts
Member of the Chicago City Council from the 37th ward
Incumbent
Assumed office January 7, 2000
Preceded by	Percy Giles
Personal details
Born	(1955-06-12) June 12, 1955 (age 70) Elaine, Arkansas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	Phillips Community College University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Triton College

Early life

Mitts was born June 12, 1955, in Elaine, Arkansas.^[2]

She eventually became a coordinator of special projects for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation^[3]

Chicago City Council

Mitts was appointed by Richard M. Daley to the Chicago City Council in January 2000 to replace Percy Giles who had been indicted along with other city officials in Operation Silver Shovel.^[3] She has been reelected in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. In 2006, her ward received the first Wal-Mart in Chicago. She was an opponent of the 2006 Chicago Big Box Ordinance.^[4]

In the runoff of the 2019 Chicago mayoral election, Mitts endorsed Lori Lightfoot.^[5] After the death of Karen Yarbrough, Mitts was appointed state central committeewoman from Illinois's 7th congressional district.^[6]