Cardenas later became a tax and business consultant and went back to school to earn his master's degree in political science from Northeastern Illinois University.

Cardenas was supported by the powerful Hispanic Democratic Organization, a group with strong ties to Chicago Mayor Richard M.

[6] In a 3-way race in February 2003, Cardenas and incumbent Alderman Ray Frias were the top two vote-getters, but neither earned a majority, forcing a run-off election scheduled for April 2003.

Cardenas currently serves as the City Council Deputy Floor Leader and Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy.

Ricardo Muñoz in the race for state central committeeman for Illinois' 4th Congressional District, a Democratic Party post.