Representation of the ward in the 1890s was dominated by supporters of the Liberal Party although elections were often not fought on political lines and the local influence and standing of individual candidates was an important factor.
This enabled Edmund Mills Hann, a prominent figure in the Powell Duffryn company, although unsuccessful at county level in 1889, to hold a seat on the Aberdare UDC for most of this period.
One of the most significant contests was that in 1903 (see below) for the Aberdare UDC when William Rees, a Labour candidate and deacon, unseated Thomas Humphreys, minister of Seion, Cwmaman.
In 1889, Thomas Philip White was elected as Liberal member for Aberaman, defeating Edmund Mills Hann.
White, over a leading colliery official who later became a prominent figure in the South Wales and Monmouthshire Coalowners' Association.
In a letter to the press he referred to pressure from colliery officials and sought to re-assure the electors that there was a secret ballot.
Thomas Rees, landlord of the Swan Inn, Aberaman and a long-standing member of the Aberdare Local Board of Health prior to the formation of the district council, had run unsuccessfully for the county council the previous year but had been defeated by the sitting member, Thomas Davies of Abercwmboi.
A 2018 review of electoral arrangements by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales would see North and South merged to recreate a single county borough ward of Aberaman.