Did race factor in Chicago mayor election? ‘Of course,’ Lori Lightfoot said. ‘I’m a Black woman in America.’
The Chicago CrusaderMar 01, 2023
Incumbent Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her re-election bid on Tuesday, failing to make a top-two runoff in Chicago’s mayoral primary election. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson will face off in the April runoff.
Lightfoot finished third in Tuesday’s election with roughly 17% of the vote. Vallas, the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, and Chicago Teachers Union organizer Johnson finished with approximately 34% and 20% of the vote respectively.
Unfortunately, America still hasn’t overcome its racist, sexist, and homophobic beliefs, and Lori Lightfoot had to pay the price for it. As an openly LGBTQ and Black female, she faced an uphill battle of systemic inequality. Racially-charged dog whistles about crime were later used during the campaign, and Lightfoot was unable to overcome the bias against her.
Lori Lightfoot lost re-election because she’s been a terrible mayor. It’s that simple. Lightfoot may try to play the victim and blame her identity for losing, but the fact is that she is an abrasive figure who did nothing to tackle the crime ravaging Chicago and costing a massive loss of life. Chicago deserved better, and luckily, they will get better.