Chicago Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her re-election race Tuesday after her first-term was plagued by crime, the inability to re...
Chicago Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her re-election race Tuesday after her first-term was plagued by crime, the inability to recover from the pandemic, and petty fighting with officials.
Homicide rates under Lightfoot’s tenure have skyrocketed to “generational highs,” while robberies, muggings, carjackings, and other property crimes have all seen a significant increase, according to The New York Times.
The two candidates that advanced to the runoff race are former schools CEO Paul Vallas, who received the most votes at 35% with nearly 90% of the votes in. The other candidate is Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, who garnered 20% of the vote. Lightfoot only earned 16% of the vote.
The Associated Press called the race for Vallas and Johnson. Vallas has tried to portray himself as tougher on crime and more moderate that Lightfoot, while Johnson is unabashedly far-left.
Lightfoot is the first incumbent elected Chicago mayor to lose re-election in 40 years, NBC News reported.
Lightfoot said that she called Johnson and Paul Vallas to congratulate them for making the runoff, which happens on April 4.
“Obviously we didn’t win the election today, but I stand here with my head held high,” she said. “I will be rooting and praying for the next mayor of Chicago.”
On social media, Lightfoot wrote: “Serving as your mayor has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to all of you who have stood beside me these last four years.”
“We’ve made significant progress building a safer, more equitable city,” she added. “I thank each and every one of you for believing in me.”
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