After Hurricane Katrina, Paul went to New Orleans and privatized three quarters of the citys public schools, which caused the largest decline of Black educators. And despite being the sitting mayor, she routinely failed to leadin recent polling, falling behind Vallas and Democratic Rep. Jess "Chuy" Garcia. Lori Lightfoot, the first Black woman and the first openly gay person ever to serve as mayor of Chicago, on Tuesday became a one-term mayor. Shes not hearing the peoples cries, McElroy said. Vallas was widely expected to emerge from the first round of voting, having built his campaign around a tough-on-crime theme and garnering supportin the vote-rich northern and northwestern sides of the city. MARIAH WOELFEL, BYLINE: Lightfoot won by a landslide in 2019 by running as a reformer who would put an end to political corruption and unite the city. When Garcia and Vallas were pitted head-to-head, 47% of respondents chose Garcia, and 36% went with Vallas. Lori Lightfoot: Chicago mayor will lose reelection bid, CNN projects Lightfoot reflected on what went wrong, as well what she hopes will be her legacy. Among women voters, 20% said theyd vote for the mayor, 18% for Garcia, 17% for Vallas and 12% for Wilson. She faced stiff competition, particularly from Johnson, who had the backing and organizational benefits of the powerful Chicago Teachers Union, as well as Willie Wilson, a Black entrepreneur who had been polling ahead of Johnson. But she notes that the last four years haven't been easy, with a global pandemic and protests over police violence that she said represented some of the toughest times that weve ever faced" in Chicago. Voters were even more sour on Lightfoots performance as mayor, with 61% of those polled saying they disapproved. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images), The 9-person stage drama in Chicago that wont end on Election Day, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Faces Tough Re-Election Bid, As Lightfoot Tries for Second Term, Jabs Go From Friendly to Harsh (The New York. Lightfoot's announcement she will seek reelection in the February 2023 mayoral race comes as no surprise. With the election less than three weeks away, three out of five voters disapprove of the job the mayor has done in her first term, more than half hold an unfavorable opinion of her, and 71% think the city is on the wrong track. Kim Foxx won't run for re-election in 2024 - CBS Chicago - CBS News Lori Lightfoot (@LoriLightfoot) / Twitter Lightfoot made history when she became the first black woman and first openly gay person to be elected Chicago mayor back in 2019. He prefers to call it a scholarship program. cheerfully dancing in the streets during a Lunar New Year parade. April 25, 2023 / 1:17 PM / CBS Chicago. Its something to see. Another 18% said they were still undecided. reopen schools as the COVID-19 pandemic began to wane, urged union members to defy the vaccine rules. Polling in the race has been mixed: Lightfoot is trailing conservative-leaning former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and progressive Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, according to a Victory Research poll taken days before Tuesdays election. Starting next Monday, candidates can begin turning in their petitions, where 12,500 valid signatures are required, so candidates typically gather triple that. CHICAGO (CBS) - Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx announced Tuesday she won't be running for re-election next year. Bottom row, from left: Lori Lightfoot, Roderick Sawyer and Jess Chuy Garca. ", "My hope is that the challenges that we've faced around our own personal safety will subside," Lightfoot said. McElroy said over the years a dozen of her relatives have left the city for other states. And I dont even know if she still thinks that crime is high. I need you to fight with me every single day," Lightfoot said. But she received a nice going away present from an Illinois administrative judge late last week. A number of popular retailers have closed their doors or announced their departures from the downtown area in recent months, including Banana Republic, Old Navy, Timberland, Uniqlo, Gap and Macys. But yet the families left, because, one, nothing is changing, and its actually getting worse and worse under her administration, McElroy said of Lightfoot. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot kicked off her re-election campaign with a whirlwind tour around Chicago Wednesday. This is the new machine, Hopkins said, harkening back to the pre-Shakman heyday of the old Democratic machine. Lightfoot has made a point of noting that violence had eased by the end of last year. Now, the top two candidates head to a runoff election. "We're kicking into high gear, and with that comes a visible digital and TV campaign, and I'm excited about it," Lightfoot said. Lightfoots first and only term was marred by the pandemic, civil unrest, a teachers strike, battles with the CTU over the reopening of schools and a seemingly endless strings of public arguments with City Council members and other elected officials. Some in the city saw it as elitist, a way of protecting upscale parts of the highly segregated city at the expense of neighborhoods with struggling business districts that also suffered serious damage. "When you come on November 28, and you see the wheelbarrow or the hand truck that we pull in with all of our petitions, I think that will answer that question," Lightfoot said. Even so, the 9.46%that Wilson did carry helped drive the strong turnout among older voters who dominate Wilsons church-based constituency. In Chicago, gun violence is a long-standing issue affecting mostly Black and brown communities. The homicide rate dropped 14% last year, but the total of 695 killings was still nearly 40% higher than it was in 2019 when Lightfoot took office. This comes as petitions are due next week. Veteran political consultant Delmarie Cobb says in a city that's a third Black, a third white and a third Latino, it's a factor that can't be ignored. 9. Here's who is running for mayor of Chicago Earlier Tuesday, sources told NBC 5 political reporter Mary Ann Ahern that Lightfoot was expected to announce her 2023 re-election campaign at a private event for donors and close allies in Chicago's River North neighborhood Tuesday, followed by a public event Wednesday. A 25-second . Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file This time around, the mayoral field is almost certain to be smaller at least in part due to those soon-to-be-diminished mayoral powers. "The fact is because of you, Chicago is coming back. She started the race with a public approval rating stuck in the mid-20s and was never able to overcome that low rating. Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her wife, Amy Eshleman, greet supporters as Lightfoot prepares to file reelection nomination petitions for the 2023 Municipal Election at the Chicago Board of. When we got knocked down by COVID, we came together as a city and we got right back up because that's who we are and that's how we've been able to make so much progress despite all that's been thrown at us," she said. She frequently touts that she's one of few incumbent big-city mayors deciding to ask for another term after the pandemic. CHICAGO -- Lori Lightfoot made history as the first Black woman and first openly gay person to serve as Chicago mayor, sailing to victory four . There are nine candidates that are running for election, with current mayor Lori Lightfoot running for re-election. But, Lightfoot said she doesn't see herself running for office again. During the campaign, a number of business leaders accused Lightfoot of neglecting the citys famous Michigan Avenue shopping district known as the Magnificent Mile. Lightfoot became the first Chicago incumbent mayor to lose re-election for a second term since 1983. Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot celebrates at her election night rally at the Hilton Chicago after defeating Toni Preckwinkle in the Chicago mayoral election on April 2, 2019. READ MORE | Meeting of the mayors: Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Brandon Johnson begin transition of power. But, I'm done with electoral politics for myself.". Lightfoot winded down her term in office, and in her only local TV interview. Pollster Brad Coker said Lightfoots bleak unfavorable rating coupled with nearly three-quarters of voters thinking the city is on the wrong track are tough stumbling blocks to overcome in three weeks or in April. Crime and public safety have been major issues at most of the debates and forums the nine candidates have attended. Chicago mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas speaks to a customer at Mannys Deli in the West Loop on Election Day. That's a difference-maker.". That's the best part of the job.". Lightfoot conceded defeat Tuesday night at her party in downtown Chicago, saying, "Obviously we didn't win the election today, but I stand here with my head held high.". Chicago mayoral candidates seeking to challenge Mayor Lori Lightfoot Garcia touts his record of working with communities across the city and playing well with others in a way that he says Lightfoot does not. Six other candidates have announced their mayoral run. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. I will let them speak to that and continue to try and get our message out," said 4th Ward Alderwoman Sophia King, who is also a candidate for mayor. LORI LIGHTFOOT: Beware of a global pandemic. She assumed office on May 20, 2019. Asked their opinions of some of the leading candidates, voters gave the highest marks to Garcia and Vallas and dismal ones to Lightfoot. After losing re-election, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says Democratic He switched parties when Barack Obama became the president of the United States. But, importantly, I've offered to him since that initial meeting, and in subsequent conversation, I am here to help in any way that he would like. Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes the election at the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council in River North Tuesday night. "Given the exacting standards that the state's attorney has for charging a case - which is proof beyond a reasonable doubt - when those charges are brought, these people are guilty," Lightfoot said Monday. Chicago mayoral election: Mayor Lori Lightfoot touts economic Lightfoot made the comments while speaking on a panel at the African American Mayors Association Conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday. He said that he fundamentally opposes abortion. Sixteen members who were elected four years ago have either already left or are planning to. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's first term in office saw a spike in crime, disputes with labor unions, and the pandemic. Crime has become a central issue in the race: Though homicides dipped 14% in 2022 from 2021, when the city recorded more killings than in any year of at least the previous 20, the 695 murders logged last year are still well above pre-pandemic 2019, when there were 500 murders, according to Chicago police statistics. And unlike her predecessors, Lightfoot doesn't enjoy a fundraising advantage over her top rivals. But with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points and a large number of voters still making up their minds there is no clear leader in the waning days of the February election. I think she feels that crime is low, to be honest with you. She made a series of stops, mostly on the South and West Sides.. Lightfoot's handling of crises has sometimes drawn praise, such as when she ordered lockdowns early in the coronavirus pandemic and an image of the stern-faced mayor became a popular meme. Another big name is poised to join the race Thursday, and Wednesday, the mayor addressed concerns about the race. That grade is based on the firms historical accuracy and surveying methodology. Lori Lightfoot ran a longshot race in 2019. Vallas then returned to the law-and-order message that carried him into the runoff. Lori Lightfoot torpedoed over re-election campaign: 'Worst mayor in Some of those challenges are why her supporters believe she needs another term. She made history as Chicago mayor. Reelection may be harder Here's What We Know So Far, Mayor Lori Lightfoot Asks Texas Gov. Thursday, former Governor Pat Quinn is expected to be announcing his decision on whether to get into the race. The announcement was accompanied by a campaign video posted on Monday to YouTube. CHICAGO (WLS) -- It is not uncommon for politicians to play coy . Mariah Woelfel of member station WBEZ reports. We've received your submission. WOELFEL: Lightfoot's term has been defined in part by pandemic-era battles. Lightfoot has accused Vallas of being a closet Republican who is anti-abortion and pro-voucher even though he ran for governor and lieutenant governor as a Democrat and has called himself a Democrat his entire life. She says she's faced unprecedented challenges and joked she'd give this note of caution to her 2019 self. 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With nearly 99% of the precincts reporting, the mayor who guided Chicago through the pandemic finished third in Tuesdays election with 17.06% of the vote behind former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, who won 33.77 %, and Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer Brandon Johnson, who wound up with 20.29%. A few months ago, they said they didnt know who I was. Lightfoot maintained that commitment, Rush said, even under the toughest of circumstances.. Lightfoot has seen her early popularity as a stalwart leader during the pandemic fade, amid rising crime rates and heated public feuds with local lawmakers and the citys largest unions, including the conservative Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed Vallas, and the liberal Chicago Teachers Union, which endorsed Johnson. ", When asked what she hopes to be remembered for, Lightfoot said she doesn't have "those kinds of hopes.". Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was mercilessly booed off a stage during a plumbers' union fundraiser amid fallout over the city's vaccine mandate for municipal workers, video shows. "It's a false narrative, as far as I'm concerned," Lightfoot said. There's a couple of rich people that even want to see me elected. Chicago voters resoundingly rejected Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection View our complete Voter Guide which includes a mayoral questionnaire, candidate quiz, details on every City Council candidate, ballot info and more: elections.suntimes.com. This time round, the stakes are higher, and her support from Black women is crucial for her re-election to a second term. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday announced the launch of her campaign for a second term. It didnt save Lightfoot. After hinting for months in interviews and at public events that she plans to seek a second term in office, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday officially announced her bid to run for mayor again in 2023. He also got the backing of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police. Lightfoot pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the escalating violence that ensued as factors in her election loss. Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection battle is clouded in uncertainty, her chances of beating either U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia or former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in a runoff appearing slim and her prospects for even making it to the April election up in the air. Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. Ald. Many primary care practitioners are not adequately trained in pain management since learning about it is not required in medical school or during residency, a physician writes. Lightfootended up taking Catanzara to court, where she successfully argued that his call for officers to ignore the vaccine mandate was illegal. CHICAGO Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her bid for re-election Tuesday, ending her historic run as the citys first Black woman and first openly gay person to serve in the position. In just the past week, two Chicago police officers and a U.S. Marshall were shot in the city. 'It's you that I fight for:' Mayor Lightfoot officially announces Her final stop was at The Revolution Workshop, a job training center in Garfield Park. Its a saturation ground game even in precincts where Johnson was not expected to do well. And if everyone wants to keep up, they can try to keep up," said Alderman Roderick Sawyer, a fellow candidate for mayor. This is the truth about Paul Vallas.. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot is going on the offensive in the campaign for mayor as the field continues to grow. J.B. Prtizkers administration over his administrations Covid-19 protocols, she battled the teachers union to reopen schools and repeatedly engaged in heated public exchanges with City Council members. Last year she challenged the media to find another mayor who faced the unprecedented challenges that confronted her. We will make Chicago the safest city in America, he said. After the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police prompted protests and civil unrest, including smashing of storefront windows and fires, Lightfoot ordered the city to raise drawbridges over the Chicago River in an attempt to block protesters from entering the downtown area. Another alderman in the race also dismissed concerns about the crowded field. Never will be good for Chicago, said Wilson, who said he plans to visit churches and neighborhoods before deciding whether or not to make an endorsement. He left similar messes in Philadelphia, Connecticut and, of course, right here in Chicago. As part of her order, Lightfoot had asked residents to only leave their homes for work, school or essential needs because Chicago had reached a critical point in the outbreak. RELATED: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot receives endorsement from IL Senator Tammy Duckworth. Lori Lightfoot faces the toughest re-election battle of any Chicago mayor in the last 40 years, U.S. Rep. Jesus Garcia said Wednesday, even as he all but ruled himself out as a potential challenger. Paul Vallas is someone who is supported by the Jan. 6th insurrectionists. So that's what the pundits are saying. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Will Seek Second Term, Officially Its not like they won contests for Mr. Congeniality, she told the Times. Lightfoot, a former federal prosecutor who had never before run for political office, emerged from a crowded field in 2019 to defeat far better known candidates with support from voters weary of political corruption and coverups. Girlfriend insists her secret visits and conversations with another man dont count as an affair. I want to finish the job that we have started.". And this is coming from a family of four police officers, including my wife.. They wore buttons and put up posters saying "I'm riding with Lori." Democratic Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot sensationally lost her re-election bid on Tuesday becoming the first incumbent leader of the Windy City to miss out on a second term in 40 years.. Three years ago, Lightfootmade historywhen she became Chicago's first Black, female and openly gay mayor. Now Lightfoot is telling voters she needs four more years. Heres Brandon, a beaming Johnson said as his supporters chanted, We want Brandon., Well Chicago, we did it yall. But nothing good and worthwhile is. She's running for re-election next week against eight challengers. In addition to Garcia, Vallas and Johnson, the other candidates running are wealthy businessman Willie Wilson, Chicago City Council members Sophia King and Roderick Sawyer, activist Ja'Mal Green and state Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner. Cook County State's Attorney Foxx Won't Seek Re-Election - Chicago, IL - Kim Foxx, who fought Mayor Lori Lightfoot, police over her handling of high-profile cases, said "it's time" in saying she . CHICAGO As Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gears up for her expected reelection campaign after three tumultuous years, she finds herself in a familiar position: on the defensive. A feminist, Allen said Lightfoots historic election resonated with her, and she plans to vote for her again even if Lightfoot doesnt make it into a runoff election. It was a tough loss for Lightfoot, who had confidently predicted during the campaign that she would win a second term. Too many people have suffered under Lightfoots hands. CHICAGO -- Lori Lightfoot made history as the first Black woman and first openly gay person to serve as Chicago mayor, sailing to victory four years ago as an outsider who vowed to rid City Hall of corruption and deliver a safer, more equitable city. The election will be an early test this year of how crime factors into mayoral races in big-city Democratic strongholds. Those disputes and more have inspired eight challengers, some pushing themes of unity, including a Democratic U.S. congressman from Illinois, Jesus "Chuy" Garcia. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Mayor Lori Lightfoot publicly acknowledged she might not run for reelection in 2023, saying it's "not a gimme" that she'll seek a second term. Theyre everywhere. Earlier this week, she riled many in the criminal justice system with a comment. I dont look or sound like any other mayor weve ever had before, and Ive had to fight to get a seat at the table. Girlfriend insists her secret visits and conversations with another man dont count as an affair. Lightfoot said she will leave the mayor's office with no regrets. "We will have a safe Chicago. Lightfoot announced she would seek re-election as the Windy City's mayor in June 2022. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Virginia Beach struck by tornado, dozens of homes damaged, At least 27 shot, 5 fatally, in Chicago weekend shootings: police, Toddler dies after being shot inside Chicago home last week: officials. Why Lori Lightfoot lost her Chicago mayoral re-election bid - New York Post We have shifted the political dynamics in this city., He added, Tonight is about building a Chicago that truly invests in our people. Mayor Lori Lightfoot publicly criticized Foxx for her decision not to charge five men who police linked to a deadly shootout in the Austin neighborhood back in 2021. Paul Vallas. "I will miss the ability to have immediate impact on people's lives. A triumphant Johnson claimed his spot in the runoff a few minutes later with an updated version of what former Mayor Harold Washington said on the day he became Chicagos first Black mayor in 1983. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot runs for re-election next week Vallas and Johnson are now expected to use those same lines of attack against each other. And upon announcing her reelection, she told a room of supporters on Chicago's South Side she anticipated the challenging campaign. She has pointed to her signature Invest South/West plan as proof that no mayor not even Washington has done more for the African-American community. Lightfoot is facing eight contenders in the mayoral race. Crime spiked during her term, though she has repeatedly touted that it dropped year-over-year in 2022. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She was at times lauded for her handling of the pandemic but saw violent riots in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis. The poll was conducted Jan. 31 through Feb. 3 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy Inc. A total of 625 registered voters were interviewed by telephone, all stating they were likely to vote in the Feb. 28 election.
