In what can be seen as a major upset, Lori Lightfoot, the Democratic Mayor of Chicago, has lost her re-election bid on Tuesday.
Lightfoot’s first-term was fraught with challenges ranging from rising crime rates to the inability to recover from the pandemic. In addition, her administration was also marred by petty squabbles with officials.
Shedding light on the issue of crime rates in Chicago, The New York Times reported that homicide rates during Lightfoot’s term had skyrocketed to “generational highs.” Furthermore, incidents of robberies, muggings, carjackings and other property crimes had all witnessed a significant increase.
Former schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson have advanced to the runoff race for Chicago’s mayoral election. As per the latest vote count, Vallas secured the highest number of votes at 35%, while Johnson garnered 20% of the vote. In contrast, incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot only managed to secure 16% of the vote. The Associated Press has already announced Vallas and Johnson as the winners of the primary election.
?BREAKING: Lori Lightfoot is OUT as Mayor of Chicago. pic.twitter.com/CYhqqnnX39
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 1, 2023
Vallas has been projecting himself as a candidate tougher on crime and more moderate than Lightfoot, while Johnson is known for his far-left views. Meanwhile, NBC News reported that Lightfoot’s defeat marks the first time in four decades that an incumbent mayor has lost re-election in Chicago.
Following her defeat in the primary election, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot extended her congratulations to the two candidates who advanced to the runoff round. In a statement, she said, “Obviously we didn’t win the election today, but I stand here with my head held high. I will be rooting and praying for the next mayor of Chicago.” Lightfoot personally called both Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson and former schools CEO Paul Vallas to congratulate them on their victory.
Lightfoot also took to social media to express her gratitude towards the people of Chicago. On her official Twitter account, she 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.” The mayoral runoff is scheduled for April 4th.
