Gerrymandering that didn't work

The 1983 Chicago ward remap cut the 5th ward neighborhood of Hyde Park in half – right down the middle of 55th street - with the intent of splitting the Independent vote that provided the base of support for Alderman Larry Bloom, a foe of the administration of Mayor Jane Byrne.

 His new ward was extended far into South Shore, resulting in a 72% Black majority. It was assumed that Blacks would refuse to support a White Alderman.

 That assumption proved wrong. Many of the Black voters drawn into the 5th ward were delighted to now be represented by a hard-working member of the City Council. And Bloom had endorsed Black Congressman Harold Washington for Mayor, making him very acceptable to his new constituents.

 Bloom was re-elected with 64% of the vote.