Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot defends against 'mean' label in outgoing speech

Rachel Schilke

May 08, 09:55 PM May 08, 09:55 PM

Outgoing Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot defended against the "mean" label plastered on her by opponents in her farewell speech. It was her final message marking the end of a tumultuous four-year term plagued by rising crime and declining education.

Lightfoot, a Democrat, dismissed criticism of her leadership, a major topic that contributed to her loss in the February general election after messages surfaced between her and other elected officials, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) and District Attorney Kim Foxx, showcasing a "combative nature." She was the first incumbent in 40 years to lose a reelection bid.

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"Lots of time and energy and ink has been spilled by the pundits and the media obsessing about what four letter-word the ‘mean, can’t get along with anyone’ mayor allegedly said,” Lightfoot said on Monday, per the Chicago Tribune.

“Let me tell you, my friends, the four-letter word that propelled me forward every single day of this incredible journey, one that I am told every time that I needed to rise above the noise and despair. That four-letter word was spelled H-O-P-E,” she continued.

Lightfoot has just days left as the city's first black female and openly gay mayor — Brandon Johnson will be sworn in as Chicago's fourth black mayor on May 15. Lightfoot's historic loss was framed by a rise in economic turbulence following the rise and slow decline of the COVID-19 pandemic. High crime rates and a crumbling education sector also presented headaches for the embattled governor.

During her address on Monday, Lightfoot did not specifically address common mudslinging topics during mayoral debates. Several policy areas, which she promised to tackle during her four-year tenure, were left unfulfilled. Lightfoot declined to mention her terse conversations and relationships with the Chicago Teachers Union and police unions.

Instead, she focused on unity and her dedication to raising Chicago up from the brink after COVID-19 closed businesses and contributed to a rise in crime. She defended her strategy of "holistically addressing" safety — an approach Republicans and even some Democrats have blasted as a contributor to the rise in crime and earned former mayoral runoff candidate Paul Vallas an endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police.

“You can’t talk about public safety without creating a pathway for those who are coming home to have fulfilled, legitimate lives in our society,” Lightfoot said. “We can’t continue to perpetuate the permanent punishment cycle.”

Lightfoot has maintained a low profile since she lost the general election and Johnson won the runoff in April. However, she has given interviews blasting "right-wing forces" for their attacks against her.

"Unfortunately, the people who are jumping on the bandwagon of a Republican posing like a Democrat now got a Democratic socialist as the mayor,” Lightfoot said in a segment on MSNBC's Morning Joe that aired this week. “So, careful what you wish for.”

Johnson does not identify as a Democratic socialist, although the policies he campaigned on during both elections focused on comprehensive criminal justice reform that focused on affordable housing and mental health, as well as needs-based funds for Chicago Public Schools and free transit services for homeless students.

For now, Lightfoot said, she is done with electoral politics.

“I will be here as private citizen Lightfoot, continually rooting for you and every resident of our city,” Lightfoot said. “My work is not done. I will roll up my sleeves in another form and fashion but continue on.”

Chicago mayoral race: Johnson will be mayor 'for all the people' after defeating Vallas in runoff

Rachel Schilke

April 05, 11:54 AM April 05, 11:58 AM

Brandon Johnson will be Chicago's new mayor after voters selected him over centrist Paul Vallas on Tuesday, ushering in a wave of progressive policies for the city that he says will be for "all the people."

Johnson defeated Vallas, 51.42% to 48.58%. He will become the fourth black mayor of Chicago, taking over the mantle from Lori Lightfoot, who was ousted during the Feb. 28 general election. Lightfoot was elected the city's first black female mayor in 2019.

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Johnson said during his victory speech that he wanted to work with and hear from all people, including those who did not vote for him.

"I'll be the mayor for you, too. Because this campaign has always been about building a better, stronger, safer Chicago, for all the people of Chicago," he said.

Johnson also thanked all of his endorsements, including the Chicago Teachers Union, which endorsed him and, along with affiliates, provided millions of dollars to his campaign.

"Chicago, tonight is just the beginning," he noted. "With our voices and our votes, we have ushered in a new chapter in the history of our city."

"Tonight is a gateway to a new future for our city," he continued. "A city that's truly safer for everyone by investing in what actually works to prevent crime."

Johnson ran on a more progressive campaign platform than Vallas, supporting comprehensive reform within the criminal justice system. He plans to focus on education, mental health, youth employment, and creating affordable housing, along with promoting detectives to combat the city's rising crime rates.

The win is significant for the Chicago Teachers Union, which has spent over a decade attempting to break into citywide politics and advocate on behalf of the city's children, particularly for increased mental health support. Johnson's campaign benefited heavily from the educational movement created in opposition to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel's decision to close half of the city's public mental health clinics and 50 schools across Chicago.

Stacy Davis Gates, the Chicago Teachers Union's president, spoke at Johnson's victory rally, praising voters for choosing "love and unity."

"Tonight, Chicago chose hope over fear. Tonight, you chose a city where everyone gets a seat. Tonight, you chose a city where there are charter and public schools," Davis Gates said, pointing to Vallas's support of charter schools. "You chose a city where teachers and cops can live in the same neighborhood."

Citywide voter turnout hit 35.19% in the runoff election with a total of 558,547 ballots cast, including mail-in and early voting ballots. It hit just below turnout for the general election, which ended with 36% voter turnout.

The largest voting age demographic was voters aged 55-64, placing 97,708 ballots or 18.42% of ballots cast. The lowest numbers came from young voters aged 18-24, placing 20,989 ballots or 3.96% of ballots cast.

Another 91,838 mail-in ballots have yet to be returned, Chicago Board of Elections Public Information Director Max Bever told the Washington Examiner, but he expected only 45,000 to be valid for counting. The elections board will not likely call the results until around April 20, Bever said.

Vallas conceded to Johnson on Tuesday night, saying that it was clear from the results the city was "deeply divided."

"Even though, of course, we believe every vote should be counted, I called Brandon Johnson and told him that I absolutely expect him to be the next mayor of Chicago," Vallas said during his concession speech.

Vallas ran a more conservative campaign despite calling himself a "lifelong Democrat." While he offered appealing views on stricter policing and bringing former officers back to rejoin the police force, it proved difficult for him to overcome criticism relating to his endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police. The union's president has been severely scrutinized for his comments on the COVID-19 pandemic and his support of politicians such as former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

He also received backlash from opponents and critics who blasted him for stressing the importance of standardized test scores. He was frequently asked to defend the way he dealt with the Chicago Public Schools' pension payments and expanding for school privatization, as well as his work in New Orleans and Philadelphia.

"The only pathway forward in our city is together. The solutions we adopt and implement must work for all Chicagoans," Vallas said.

"It's time for all Chicagoans to put aside their differences and to work together to support the daunting work ahead for Chicago's next mayor," he continued.

Lightfoot released a statement on Tuesday night offering support to Johnson as he steps into the mayor's office. She had not endorsed either candidate but said in her concession speech in February she had congratulated both of them on their wins.

“It is time for all of us as Chicagoans, regardless of our ZIP code or neighborhood, our race or ethnicity, the creator we worship, or who we love, to come together and recommit ourselves to uniting around our shared present and future. My entire team and I stand ready to collaborate throughout the transition period," Lightfoot said.