Chicagoans rejoice at LGBTQ mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot's historic victory

General Interest, Politics/National Security, Public Affairs, Social Justice, Winter 2019

Chicagoans rejoice at LGBTQ mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot’s historic victory

February 27, 2019

Ariana Puzzo
Medill Reports

Cheers erupted as supporters embraced each other on election night whenever the statistics showed mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot in the lead as the top voter-getter in a field of 14 candidates.

The former federal prosecutor made history when she, along with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, became the candidates for the April 2 runoff. The election will produce Chicago’s first black female mayor.

Lori Lightfoot thanks her supporters on election night for their dedication as they cheer at her victory party at EvolveHer on Ontario Street.

Lightfoot received over 7,000 more votes than Preckwinkle, the Chicago Tribune reported. She also made history as the first openly LGBTQ person to qualify for a run-off.

“As an LGBTQ+ person,” said Lightfoot, resulting in loud cheers, “I thought about running for mayor when no other LGBTQ+ person had ever made the ballot for mayor of the city.”

These milestones, Lightfoot said, are what change in Chicago looks like.

Photo at top: Former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot makes history as Chicago prepares to elect its first black female mayor on April 2. (Ariana Puzzo/Medill)