Since his time in office, Gardiner has become embroiled in several controversies, including an abuse of power lawsuit, alleged ethics violations, and using misogynistic language.
He graduated from Notre Dame High School and from Saint Xavier University in 2002 with a degree in teaching.
[3] Gardiner was elected to the 45th Ward Democratic Committeeperson position in March 2020, defeating challenger Ellen Hill by 292 votes.
Gardiner's co-defendants include 45th Ward Superintendent Charles Sikanich and seven Chicago police officers.
The lawsuit highlighted issues of free speech and the right of constituents to engage with their elected officials on social media.
in 2023 federal judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled that Gardiner's actions violated the First Amendment, marking a significant victory for plaintiffs in the case.
In 2019, Gardiner allegedly, in an act of retaliation, directed city employees to give a $600 citation to a political opponent for overgrown weeds and rodents at the man's residence.