# James M. Gardiner's campaign money: donors, lobbyists, and money near votes

Alderperson, 45th Ward ([profile](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/45)). Campaign committees: [Friends to Elect Jim Gardiner](https://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?ID=34894).

- Cash on hand: **[$93,102](https://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?ID=34894)** (as of Sep 30, 2026)
- Raised this term: **$666,415**; since 2019: $1,227,446 (1,143 itemized donations)
- From Chicago: 72% of itemized money
- From registered City lobbyists: **$16,775** in 34 contributions
- From interests tied to legislation, in the 365 days before 9 votes: **$70,931** ([below](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/money/james-m-gardiner#money-near-votes))

**Chart:** [Top donors to James M. Gardiner](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/money/james-m-gardiner/chart.svg) · download the [data (CSV)](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/money/james-m-gardiner/data.csv) · [embed](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/money/james-m-gardiner/embed)

> Money near a vote is not evidence that it influenced the vote.

## Top donors

| Donor | Total | Gifts | Employer or occupation | From |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wintrust Bank | $148,523 | 19 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Chicago Fire Department Local 2 PAC | $94,200 | 19 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Fraternal Order of Police | $76,431 | 7 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Koch Foods of Chicago | $40,300 | 12 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Bridge Structural & Reinforcing Local #1 | $36,000 | 11 |  | Forest Park, IL |
| Pipefitters Assoc. Local 597 PAC | $20,500 | 9 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Liuna Chicago Laborers District Council PAC | $19,500 | 9 |  | Burr Ridge, IL |
| Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council PAC | $17,500 | 8 |  | Chicago, IL |
| I.U.O.E. Local 399 PAC | $17,000 | 10 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Chicago Land Operators Joint labor PAC | $17,000 | 7 |  | Countryside, IL |
| Local 134 IBEW | $13,500 | 10 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Suhani 4 You, Inc | $13,500 | 9 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Taylor Excavating & Construction | $12,625 | 9 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Andrzej Kolasa | $12,500 | 5 | Andy's Deli | Northbrook, IL |
| Ironworkers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity PAC | $12,000 | 9 |  | Des Plaines, IL |
| Roofers & Water Proofers Local 11 PAC | $12,000 | 10 |  | Oak Brook, IL |
| Painters District Council #14 PAC | $10,350 | 10 |  | Chicago, IL |
| Bill Marino | $10,250 | 5 | Loop Contracting LLC | Chicago, IL |
| Willie Wilson | $10,000 | 4 | Self | Chicago, IL |
| International Association of Fire Fighters | $10,000 | 1 |  | washington, DC |
| Iron Workers Local 1 (lobbying client) | $10,000 | 2 |  | Forest Park, IL |
| International Assoc of Fire Fighters | $10,000 | 1 |  | Washington, DC |
| Brad Stephens for State Representative | $10,000 | 2 |  | Rosemont, IL |
| Michael Fox | $8,510 | 10 | RP Fox Associates | Oak Park, IL |
| Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 | $8,500 | 8 |  | Chicago, IL |

## Top donors' employers

| Employer | Total | Gifts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Andy'S Deli | $12,000 | 4 |
| Good Faith Effort Made | $10,000 | 8 |
| Loop Contracting Llc | $9,000 | 3 |
| Rp Fox Associates | $7,510 | 8 |
| Little Scholars Learning Ctr | $5,000 | 2 |
| Kozonis Law Ltd. | $4,500 | 3 |
| Innovative Parking Solutions Llc | $4,050 | 7 |
| Vaughan Hospitality Group | $3,000 | 3 |
| Hills Property | $3,000 | 2 |
| Markel Group | $3,000 | 1 |
| Mk Construction And Builders Inc | $3,000 | 1 |
| Power Construction Co | $2,000 | 2 |
| Sky Cleaners | $2,000 | 3 |
| Polish Bistro | $2,000 | 2 |
| Bretford Manufacturing | $2,000 | 2 |

## Lobbyists who gave

| Lobbyist | Total | Gifts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Patrick Carey](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/14921-patrick-carey) | $2,500 | 5 |
| [John Dunn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/4193-john-dunn) | $2,500 | 5 |
| [Thomas Raines](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/17201-thomas-raines) | $1,500 | 1 |
| [Rolando Acosta](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/3845-rolando-acosta) | $1,500 | 3 |
| [Michael Alvarez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/4126-michael-alvarez) | $1,500 | 1 |
| [Tyler Manic](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/13202-tyler-manic) | $1,250 | 3 |
| Jennifer Koehler | $1,000 | 2 |
| Terrence Durkin | $1,000 | 1 |
| Christopher Jessup | $500 | 1 |
| [Jonathan Buckner](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/22261-jonathan-buckner) | $500 | 1 |
| [Mary Minaghan Dba Mkm Services](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/4162-mary-minaghan-dba-mkm-services) | $500 | 2 |
| Gabriela Manzanares Jule | $500 | 1 |
| Sabha Abour | $500 | 1 |
| [Joseph Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/lobbyist/24884-joseph-moore) | $500 | 1 |
| Lissa Druss | $250 | 1 |

## Money near votes

Money from the interests tied to a piece of legislation (its lobbying clients, their lobbyists, companies and employees named in it) received in the 365 days before the vote.

| Legislation | Vote date | Their vote | Amount | From |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Amended collective bargaining agreement with Chicago John Dineen Lodge No. 7 (f.k.a.…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2023-0006332-amended-collective-bargaining-agreement-chicago-john) | Dec 13, 2023 | Y | $63,931 | Fraternal Order Of Police (company) |
| [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 6-105 modifying timelines for employer allowance…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2026-0024043-modifying-timelines-employer-allowance-minimums-hourly) | May 20, 2026 | Y | $2,000 | Chicagoland Chamber Of Commerce (company) |
| [Short Term Rentals Amendment](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2024-0013637-title-4-vacation-rental-data-reporting) | May 21, 2025 | Y | $2,000 | Patrick Carey (lobbyist for Airbnb, Inc.); John Dunn (lobbyist for Airbnb, Inc.) |
| [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (35.84) and 4-60-023 (35.84) to allow…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2026-0027515-allow-additional-package-goods-licenses-portion) | Oct 14, 2026 | Y | $500 | Rolando Acosta (lobbyist for 2616 N Milwaukee(Chicago), LLC) |
| [Historical landmark designation for Bryn Mawr Avenue District located at 900 through…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0027059-historical-landmark-bryn-mawr-avenue-district) | Sep 23, 2026 | Y | $500 | Rolando Acosta (lobbyist for 3244 - 50 Bryn Mawr LLC) |
| [Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 105 W Adams Street/210 S Clark St](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/Or2025-0021609-historical-landmark-fee-waiver-property-105) | Feb 18, 2026 | Y | $500 | Rolando Acosta (lobbyist for 105 Adams Development LLC) |
| [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (35.82) to allow additional package goods…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2025-0021699-allow-additional-package-goods-licenses-portion) | Jan 21, 2026 | Y | $500 | Rolando Acosta (lobbyist for 2616 N Milwaukee(Chicago), LLC) |
| [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14A, 14B, 14X and 15 (2026…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2025-0021719-titles-1-3-4-7-8) | Dec 19, 2025 | Y | $500 | Jonathan Buckner (lobbyist for Airbnb, Inc.) |
| [Lincoln Ave 35-2015](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2023-0006007-no-1-lincoln-ave-tax-increment) | Dec 13, 2023 | Y | $500 | Rolando Acosta (lobbyist for 5019 Lincoln LLC) |

> Money near a vote is not evidence that it influenced the vote.

## Shares the most donors with

- [Nicholas Sposato](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/network/nicholas-sposato-vs-james-m-gardiner): 27 donors in common (4% overlap)
- [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/network/samantha-nugent-vs-james-m-gardiner): 28 donors in common (3% overlap)
- [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/network/ruth-cruz-vs-james-m-gardiner): 21 donors in common (3% overlap)
- [Raymond A. Lopez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/network/raymond-a-lopez-vs-james-m-gardiner): 23 donors in common (2% overlap)
- [Anthony V. Napolitano](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/network/anthony-v-napolitano-vs-james-m-gardiner): 18 donors in common (2% overlap)

## Legislation they sponsored that was lobbied

- [LAC Ordinance - 3955 N. Kilpatrick](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2024-0012214-3955-n-kilpatrick-ave-3865-n): 10 filings (Commonwealth Development Partners, Mitch Goltz, Xrpr Portage Park)
- [Issuance of permits for sign(s)/signboard(s) at 5224 N Northwest Hwy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/Or2024-0013687-issuance-permits-sign-signboard-5224-n): 4 filings (Ampler Development LLC, Ampler Restaurant Group)
- [Used Lithium battery prohibitions on resale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2024-0007754-titles-2-4-adding-new-new): 4 filings (Doordash, Inc., Illinois Environmental Council, Ulse Inc. D/B/A Ul Standards & Engagement)
- [Designation of April 1 through April 30 as Arab American Heritage Month in Chicago.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/R2026-0024853-april-1-through-april-30-arab): 3 filings (Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Chicago, Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Chicago)
- [Commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and designation of September 15 through October 15 as…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/R2024-0013110-commemoration-national-hispanic-heritage-month-september): 2 filings (Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Chicago)
- [Department of Family and Support Services and Department of Public Health required to annually collect race…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2025-0021028-department-family-support-services-department-public): 2 filings (Chinese American Service League, Inc.)
- [SO2024-0008201](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2024-0008201-adding-new-requiring-city-data-processed): 2 filings (Amazon.Com Services LLC, Illinois Environmental Council)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-17 by modifying procedures for designation of restricted residential…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2024-0008954-modifying-procedures-restricted-residential-zones-allowing): 2 filings (Airbnb, Inc.)
- [Call for hearing(s) on utilization of MBE/WBEs by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and associated spending for…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/R2024-0010150-call-hearing-utilization-mbe-wbes-commonwealth): 1 filings (Comed)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 8-32-065 to establish noise sensitive zones for places of worship during…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2026-0025456-establish-noise-sensitive-zones-places-worship): 1 filings (Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Chicago)
- [Call on Illinois General Assembly to pass transit management reform and revenue omnibus package](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/R2025-0016638-call-illinois-general-assembly-pass-transit): 1 filings (Illinois Environmental Council)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14A, 14B, 14X and 15 (2026 Municipal Code…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2025-0021719-titles-1-3-4-7-8): 1 filings (Airbnb, Inc.)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-120-518 establishing reporting and tracking procedures regarding hate…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/SO2023-0003932-reporting-tracking-procedures-regarding-hate-incidents): 1 filings (Equality Illinois)
- [Amendment of Municipal Code Title 3 by adding new Chapter 3-46A to impose Ground Delivery Tax on use of…](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/O2025-0021091-title-3-adding-new-3-46a): 1 filings (Grubhub Inc.)

Campaign data from the Illinois State Board of Elections (itemized: $150+). Lobbyist data from the City of Chicago Board of Ethics. Lobbyist and lobbyist-client donor flags are name matches. Street addresses are not published. Links between money and legislation are computed: lobbying filings are matched to legislation by record number, address, the client's name, or similar wording; donors are matched by exact company or employer name. Money near a vote is not evidence that it influenced the vote. See also [James M. Gardiner's connections](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/connections/james-m-gardiner) and [money across the Council](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/money).

Sources and methods: [how we get and count this data](/about#methods) · [report an error](/about#corrections)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/money/james-m-gardiner · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt