Edward M. Burke

Edward M. "Ed" Burke (born December 29, 1943) is an American politician. He was an alderman of the 14th Ward of the City of Chicago. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Burke was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 1969, and represents part of the city's Southwest Side. Burke has been called Chicago's "most powerful alderman" by the Chicago Sun-Times. Burke was named one of the "100 Most Powerful Chicagoans" by Chicago Magazine.

Burke was the longest-serving aldermen in Chicago history. Burke decided not to run in the 2023 election, ending a record 14-term tenure on the City Council.

Burke was the lead partner in a law firm that works in property tax appeals. On November 29, 2018, Burke's office at Chicago City Hall and his Aldermanic ward office were seized by federal agents, who ejected staff and papered over the doors and windows.

On January 3, 2019, Burke was charged with attempted extortion for allegedly using his political office to drive business for his law firm. On December 21, 2023, Burke was found guilty by a federal jury on 13 of 14 counts of racketeering, bribery, and extortion. On June 24, 2024, Burke was sentenced to two years in prison and a $2 million fine. 

References

Category:1943 births
Category:Living people
Category:Chicago City Council members
Category:Democratic Party (United States) politicians
Category:DePaul University alumni
Category:Criminals from Chicago