Friday, 31 March, 2023
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Chicago mayor loses re-election bid

Chicago mayor loses re-election bid

WASHINGTON: Lori Lightfoot, Chicago's first Black woman and openly gay mayor, on Tuesday became the first leader of the huge Midwestern city in 40 years not to win re-election, reports AFP.

Lightfoot, criticised by rivals for the rising crime rates in the city, conceded the surprise defeat, telling supporters she was rooting and praying for our next mayor to deliver for the people of the city for years to come.

Paul Vallas, a former chief executive of Chicago public schools, will now face Brandon Johnson, a Cook County commissioner and former teacher, in a second round on April 4, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Vallas is backed by the local police union, while Johnson has the support of the Chicago teachers' union.

We know in life, in the end, you don't always win the battle. But you never regret taking on the powerful, and bringing in the light, she told a crowd of supporters.