Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election
NBCDec 23, 2022
The Facts
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.
The Spin
Left narrative
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.
Right narrative
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.
