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Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Tuesday that she will seek a second term after months of hinting at another campaign.
The Democrat was first elected in 2019 on a campaign platform that promised to be tough on crime. Lightfoot made history as the city’s first black, female, openly gay mayor.
“I don’t look or sound like any other mayor we’ve ever had before, and I’ve had to fight to get a seat at the table. And, like so many in our city, I’ve had to fight to have my voice heard,” Lightfoot said in a video announcement. “That’s why I’ll never back down from fighting every day to turn your voice into action.”
https://twitter.com/LoriLightfoot/status/1534263944491188225
The incumbent has faced criticism over a rise in crime in the city over the last few years, which has become a top issue for voters.
An April survey from the Chicago Sun-Times showed Lightfoot’s approval rating below 30%.
The mayor has argued that criticism against her is largely due to her being a woman in politics, and she acknowledged a reelection bid would likely be an uphill battle.
“Women are always gonna be judged by a different lens. People of color are always judged by a different lens,” Lightfoot told the outlet. “People who are part of the LGBTQ+ community in leadership are judged through a different lens. That’s just the reality of life in America. I’m a big believer in playing the cards that we’re dealt. And I’m gonna keep doing what I think is right on behalf of residents of the city.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Lightfoot enters a crowded field of candidates. Six others have already announced their intent to run for mayor, including state Rep. Kam Buckner, Ald. Roderick Sawyer, Ald. Ray Lopez, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, police officer Frederick Collins, and businessman Willie Willson. At least 10 other candidates have publicly mulled announcing a run for mayor.
This story is developing and will be updated.
