Lightfoot loses re-election bid as Vallas, Johnson head to runoff in Chicago mayor race
(The Center Square) – Lori Lightfoot’s tenure as Chicago mayor will end after her first term.
Lightfoot – widely criticized as rising violent crime plagued the city during her four years in office, for her strict COVID-19 restrictions, and as students in Chicago Public Schools struggled to perform at grade level – conceded in her race for re-election in Tuesday’s primary.
Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union operative Brandon Johnson will head to a runoff election to determine Lightfoot’s successor.
Vallas held a healthy lead with more than 90% of precincts reporting, receiving 35% of the total votes counted.
Since no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the election will go to a runoff on April 4.
During his campaign, Vallas focused on high violent crime rates in the city and reforming policing. Chicago has been the murder capital of the U.S. for nine consecutive years.
Johnson, who surged in polling in recent weeks, finished in second place, earning a runoff against Vallas.
Six other candidates also were eliminated from contention, including Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
