Lori Elaine Lightfoot (born August 4, 1962)[1][2] is an American politician and attorney who was the 56th mayor of Chicago from 2019 until 2023.[3] She is a member of the Democratic Party.[4][5] Before becoming mayor, Lightfoot worked in private legal practice as a partner at Mayer Brown and held various government positions in Chicago. She served as president of the Chicago Police Board and chair of the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force.[6][7][8] In 2019, Lightfoot defeated Toni Preckwinkle in a runoff election for Chicago mayor.[9][10] She ran again in 2023 but failed to qualify for the runoff, becoming the city's first incumbent mayor to not be reelected since Jane Byrne in 1983.[11][12]

Lori Lightfoot
Lightfoot in 2023
56th Mayor of Chicago
In office
May 20, 2019 – May 15, 2023
DeputyTom Tunney
Preceded byRahm Emanuel
Succeeded byBrandon Johnson
President of the Chicago Police Board
In office
May 2015 – May 2018
Appointed byRahm Emanuel
Preceded byDemetrius Carney
Succeeded byGhian Foreman
Personal details
Born
Lori Elaine Lightfoot

(1962-08-04) August 4, 1962 (age 62)
Massillon, Ohio, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Amy Eshleman
(m. 2014)
Children1
EducationUniversity of Michigan (BA)
University of Chicago (JD)
Signature

Lightfoot is the first openly lesbian black woman to serve as mayor of a major city in the United States, and the second openly lesbian woman (after Annise Parker) to serve as mayor of one of the ten most populous cities in the United States. She is also the first black woman, the second woman (after Byrne), and the third black person (after Harold Washington and Eugene Sawyer) to serve as mayor of Chicago.[note 1][13][14]

Early life and education

Lightfoot was born in Massillon, Ohio, the youngest of four children. Her mother, Ann Lightfoot, was a nighttime healthcare aide and school board member, and her father, Elijah Lightfoot, was a local factory worker and janitor.[15][1][16][17][18] She grew up in a primarily white neighborhood on the west side of the city.[1]

Lightfoot is a graduate of Washington High School in Massillon, where she was a trumpet player in the school band; sang alto in the choir; played basketball, volleyball, and softball; edited the yearbook; and was a member of the Pep Club.[1] She was elected high school class president three times.[1] When she ran for high school class president, Lightfoot's campaign slogan was "Get on the right foot with Lightfoot".[17] Her high school alumni association named her a "Distinguished Citizen" in 2013.[1][19] While in high school, Lightfoot helped organize a boycott of her school's lunch program over the quality of its pizza.[20] Her boycott was a success as the school provided more flavorful pizza.[18] Her punishment for the boycott was detention.[17]

Lightfoot received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan in 1984, graduating with honors.[21] She pursued seven different types of employment to pay for her education, including working as a resident assistant[16][21][22] and as a cook for the school's football team.[23] She also held factory jobs at home during summers to help pay for her education.[21] While Lightfoot was an undergraduate, her older brother, Brian Lightfoot, was arrested in connection with a bank robbery and the shooting of a security guard.[1][17][18]

Lightfoot held positions working for Congress members Ralph Regula and Barbara Mikulski before deciding to attend law school.[1][24][25] She has said she chose to attend law school not because of her brother's legal troubles, but because she wanted a job that offered financial independence.[1] She matriculated at the University of Chicago Law School, where she was awarded a full scholarship.[26] As president of the University of Chicago Law School's student body, she led a successful movement to ban a law firm from campus after the firm sent a recruiter who made racist and sexist remarks towards a student.[15] Lightfoot quarterbacked an intramural flag football team while at Chicago Law School.[1] Lightfoot also served as a clerk for Justice Charles Levin of the Michigan Supreme Court.[24] She graduated from the University of Chicago with her Juris Doctor degree in 1989.[25][26]

Career

Assistant U.S. Attorney (1996–2002)

After law school, Lightfoot became a practicing attorney at the Mayer Brown law firm, serving a wide cross-section of clients.[1] Lightfoot first entered the public sector as Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. During her mayoral campaign, Lightfoot cited several reasons for entering public service, including a desire to represent the African-American community, a sense of injustice based on the murder of a family member by a Ku Klux Klan member in the 1920s, and struggles with the law encountered by her older brother, who was charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute.[15][17]

While working as a federal prosecutor, Lightfoot helped to prosecute those accused of federal crimes, including drug crimes.[1] She assisted with Operation Silver Shovel, an FBI investigation into Chicago corruption. She helped to convict alderman Virgil Jones.[15] In 1999, Lightfoot was issued a warning for misconduct by judge Richard Posner in a case in which she was found by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to have misled a United States Circuit Judge regarding a suspect's whereabouts, making it impossible for the judge to stay the suspect's extradition to Norway.[1][27] Lightfoot and the Justice Department disputed this characterization of her actions.[28]

Chicago Police Department Office of Professional Standards (2002–04)

In 2002, Lightfoot was appointed chief administrator of the Chicago Police Department Office of Professional Standards, a now-defunct governmental police oversight group, by Police Superintendent Terry Hillard. She held the position for two years. In the position, she was in charge of investigating possible cases of police misconduct, including police shootings of civilians. However, a Chicago Tribune report found that the Office of Professional Standards' investigations often lacked thoroughness. Lightfoot says her recommendations for disciplinary action were often rejected by the police department.[15]

In one notable case, Lightfoot went against Police Department orthodoxy by recommending the firing of officer Alvin Weems, who shot and killed an unarmed man, Michael Pleasance. Weems was initially believed to have accidentally shot Pleasance, but after video evidence contradicting the initial claims was revealed, even Weems himself expressed feeling that the shooting was unjustified. Weems was not fired by the Chicago Police Department, but the city was eventually forced to pay a settlement to the Pleasance family. Weems later committed suicide.[28]

In another controversial case where officer Phyllis Clinkscales shot and killed unarmed 17-year-old Robert Washington, the Chicago Tribune reported that Lightfoot determined that the shooting was justified. In doing so, the Tribune said she reversed the order of her predecessor, who had called for Clinkscales's firing. Clinkscales's account of the events of the shooting had been found to contain untrue statements in an investigation.[28] Lightfoot disputes this account of Clinkscales's case, saying that the police superintendent at the time was responsible for declining Lightfoot's predecessor's finding that the shooting was unjustified.[29] Lightfoot said her action on the case was to push for a 30-day suspension for Clinkscales, which she implied was the most that was possible given the circumstances.[30]

Other roles in Chicago city government (2004–05)

Lightfoot then moved on to work in the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. She was later hired by Mayor Richard M. Daley as deputy chief of the Chicago Department of Procurement Services.[15][1] There, she and her boss, Mary Dempsey, investigated Chicago corruption, drawing Mayor Daley's ire in the process. Lightfoot and Dempsey's investigations included probes of then-Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich's associate Tony Rezko and prominent Daley donor Elzie Higginbottom. Lightfoot worked at the Department of Procurement Services for a few months, subsequently returning to Mayer Brown.[15] Lightfoot has suggested that she left the Department of Procurement Services because of dismay at corruption in City Hall.[1]

Private practice

As an attorney at Mayer Brown, Lightfoot represented Republicans in two cases contesting supposed Democratic gerrymandering.[26] At Mayer Brown, she also defended Chicago police officer Paul Powers against charges of physical assault. In 2019, after facing criticism over defending Powers, Lightfoot cited video evidence in favor of her former client's innocence.[30]

Lightfoot was briefly hired by the city of Chicago to defend the city against charges brought by the family of a mentally ill woman, Christina Eilman, who was brought into custody by Chicago police after suffering a mental breakdown at Midway Airport. Eilman suffered sexual assault and a seven-story fall after being released by police into the dangerous Englewood neighborhood. Eilman's family reached a $22.5 million settlement with the city.[31][32]

Lightfoot has also served on the boards of the Illinois chapters of NARAL and the ACLU.[25] She has served as external counsel for Bank of America.[22] In 2013, Lightfoot was a finalist for the position of U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, but the job went to Zachary T. Fardon.[33]

Chicago Police Board and Task Force (2015–18)

 
Lightfoot speaking at the release of the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force's report in 2016

Lightfoot returned to the public sector in 2015, when Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed her to replace 19-year incumbent Demetrius Carney as president of the Chicago Police Board. The board's main responsibility is to make recommendations for or against disciplinary action on certain disputed cases of police misconduct.[33] Under Lightfoot's leadership, the board became more punitive, firing officers in 72% of its cases. In the wake of the controversy over the murder of Laquan McDonald, Emanuel also appointed Lightfoot as chair of a special Police Accountability Task Force.[34] In 2016, the Task Force, led by Lightfoot, filed a report critical of the Chicago Police Department's practices.[15] She specifically criticized the police union's "code of silence".[35] The anti-police brutality activist organization Black Youth Project 100's Chicago chapter released a statement denouncing Lightfoot and the board and task force for a "lack of accountability".[36][better source needed]

In 2017, Emanuel re-appointed Lightfoot to a second term as president of the Police Board. The decision came after Lightfoot and Emanuel had publicly come into conflict, particularly over Emanuel's attempts to reach a police reform deal with Trump Administration Justice Department officials that would avoid a consent decree and oversight from a federal judge. Lightfoot called Emanuel's approach "fundamentally flawed". At the time, there was already speculation that Lightfoot was planning a run for mayor of Chicago in 2019, though she denied the rumors.[37] Lightfoot resigned from the Police Board in May 2018, just before announcing her mayoral campaign.[16]

2019 mayoral campaign

 
One of Lightfoot's mayoral campaign signs, featuring her slogan "Bring in the Light"

On May 10, 2018, Lightfoot announced her candidacy for mayor of Chicago in the 2019 elections, her first-ever run for public office.[38][39][40] Lightfoot is the first openly lesbian candidate in the history of Chicago mayoral elections.[41]

By summer 2018, Lightfoot had the highest-funded campaign of any individual challenging the two-term incumbent mayor, Rahm Emanuel.[42][43] In the fall, Emanuel dropped out of the race. High-profile candidates such as Gery Chico, William M. Daley, Susana Mendoza, and Toni Preckwinkle then entered the race.[44]

In December, after Lightfoot submitted the petitions necessary to secure a place on the ballot, Preckwinkle's campaign filed a challenge claiming that many of Lightfoot's petitions were fraudulent. The Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners found Lightfoot had enough valid petitions to remain on the ballot, and Preckwinkle's campaign withdrew its challenge.[45] In January, the race was upended by a major corruption scandal involving Chicago alderman Ed Burke.[46] Lightfoot ran a television advertisement criticizing Chico, Daley, Mendoza and Preckwinkle as the "Burke Four" for their connections to the disgraced alderman.[47]

Lightfoot picked up several endorsements, including nods from LGBTQ groups and local politicians.[48][49] In February, Lightfoot won the endorsement of the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board.[26] As close to the election as late January, Lightfoot's support ranged between 2% and 5% in polls.[50][51][52][53] She surged in polls later in the race, consistently polling at or near double-digits in surveys released in the weeks leading up to the election.[54][55]

In what was considered to be an upset, Lightfoot finished first in the February election.[49][56][57] She placed first in a crowded field of fourteen candidates. Because no candidate reached the necessary 50% of the vote needed to win the election outright, she and Preckwinkle advanced to a runoff election.[10]

In the runoff, both the Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune endorsed Lightfoot.[58][59] Several former candidates, including Mendoza, Chico, Paul Vallas, and fourth-place finisher Willie Wilson also endorsed Lightfoot in the runoff.[60][61] Lightfoot held a substantial lead over Preckwinkle in polls conducted during the runoff campaign.[62][63]

During the runoff, Lightfoot faced criticism from criminal justice activists over her record in police accountability and as a prosecutor.[30][64] Lightfoot defended herself against Bennett's criticisms at a mayoral debate, citing her personal experiences with racial discrimination as evidence she would take the concerns of the black community into account.[65] Lightfoot also faced activist criticism over comments at a University of Chicago forum where she suggested turning some shuttered schools in the city into police academies.[64][66] Lightfoot later disavowed this suggestion via Twitter.[67]

In the runoff, Lightfoot received endorsements from seven of the twelve candidates that had been eliminated in the first round. Preckwinkle, by contrast, received no endorsements at all from any candidates that had been eliminated in the first round.[68]

Lightfoot won the runoff election on April 2, 2019, becoming mayor-elect of Chicago.[13] She won more than 73% of the overall vote in the runoff, winning in all 50 wards of the city.[69] Lightfoot won all but 20 of the city's 2,069 voting precincts.[70] Voter turnout was 32.89%, almost a record low.[71]

Chart of progression of Lightfoot's poll numbers in first round

Mayor of Chicago

Lightfoot's administration faced criticism due to rising crime rates in Chicago and accusations of covering up police misconduct. During her term, she clashed with members of the Chicago City Council, the Chicago Teachers Union, and Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker's administration. The New York Times remarked that she had an "uncanny ability to make political enemies." However, Lightfoot received praise for her efforts to build affordable housing, repair dilapidated areas of the city, and raise the minimum wage.[72]

 
Mayor-elect Lightfoot meeting with Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi on May 7, 2019
 
Mayor-elect Lightfoot meeting with Ivanka Trump, Daughter of then-President of the United States Donald Trump, on May 7, 2019

Transition

As mayor-elect, Lightfoot expressed a desire for the Laquan McDonald trial to be reexamined, urging the U.S. Attorney's Office to reopen their grand jury investigation to examine if any civil rights were violated.[73]

On April 6, 2019, Lightfoot told the Chicago Sun-Times that her staff would, during her first post-election weekend, spend time examining the city's 600-page agreement with Sterling Bay regarding the Lincoln Yards development.[74] During her campaign, Lightfoot had been critical of the process that was being taken to reach the agreement.[75] The following Monday, at her request, Mayor Rahm Emanuel postponed city council votes on the approval of $1.6 billion in tax increment financing subsidies for both the Lincoln Yards and The 78 mega-developments.[76] After the developers of the two projects agreed to increase commitments to hiring minority-owned and women-owned contractors, Lightfoot announced her support for the projects, which were approved one day subsequent to her declaration of support.[77][78]

Inauguration

On May 20, 2019, Lightfoot officially took office as mayor of Chicago after being sworn in at 11:15 am by Magistrate Judge Susan E. Cox of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois at the Wintrust Arena,[79] accompanied by her wife and daughter.[80] Upon taking office, Lightfoot became the first openly LGBT Chicago mayor, the first black female Chicago mayor, as well as the second female Chicago mayor (after Jane Byrne) and third Chicago black mayor (after Harold Washington and Eugene Sawyer).

Affordable housing

On October 14, 2019, Lightfoot announced the creation of an affordable housing task force set to consist of 20 members and study solutions to housing affordability over a 4- to 6-month period.[81] The following month, it was announced that the task force would also come up with a proposal to rewrite the city's affordable housing ordinance.[82] These efforts directly implicated systemic racism as the primary issue in housing affordability, recommending an entirely new framework for housing ordinances prioritizing racial equity. However, initial affordable housing goals were set back by budget shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[83] Many of these recommendations were eventually integrated into the distribution of federal relief funds for housing assistance grants, as well as allocations for low-income tax credits.[84][85]

On March 6, 2020, Lightfoot named Tracey Scott as CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority.[86] On March 30, the CHA Board of Commissioners approved Tracey Scott's appointment.[87]

Casino

After legislation expanding gambling in Illinois was passed by the state legislature at the start of June 2019, Lightfoot announced that the city would commence a study of where a Chicago casino would be located.[88] Lightfoot's predecessors had long sought to obtain a casino for the city.[88] While the state did not approve a city-owned casino (reportedly preferred by Lightfoot, as it had been by her predecessors); state legislation allowed for a privately owned casino from which the city would receive one-third of tax revenue generated.[88] Lightfoot continued to push, however, for the state to authorize a casino jointly owned by the city and state and with a lesser effective tax rate than the passed legislation specified.[89]

On May 5, 2022, Lightfoot announced that she had selected a bid from the Bally's Corporation to construct a casino resort on the west bank of the Chicago River.[90]

Christopher Columbus statue

In July 2020, Lightfoot directed that a statue of Christopher Columbus be removed from Grant Park. After the murder of George Floyd, protesters had attempted to knock over the statue[91] and had engaged in a violent confrontation with police.[92]

In March 2022, attorney George Smyrniotis sued Lightfoot for defamation.[93] The lawsuit claimed that Italian-Americans were unhappy with the removal of the Columbus statue, and that a tentative deal had been struck to assuage their concerns by allowing the statue to be displayed in an annual Columbus Day parade. According to Smyrniotis, Lightfoot—angry over the proposal regarding the display of the statue—suggested during a Zoom call that she would revoke the parade permit if the statue were to be displayed.[92] Smyrniotis added that Lightfoot had questioned his competence, berated him and others with obscenities, and asserted that she had "'the biggest d*** in Chicago'".[91][94][93] For her part, Lightfoot contended that the lawsuit's "'deeply offensive and ridiculous claims'" were "'wholly lacking in merit'".[95]

City Council

 
Lightfoot with First Lady Jill Biden in 2022

Lightfoot's first executive order as mayor limited "aldermanic prerogative", a practice under which Chicago aldermen were granted an effective veto over matters in their wards.[96]

On May 28, 2019, Lightfoot unveiled proposals to revise the Chicago City Council operating rules. Among other things, she proposed live streaming video of committee meetings, changes to strengthen the rule on conflicts of interest, and the transfer of control over TIF subsidies to the council's Committee on Economic and Capital Development.[97]

On May 31, 2019, after indictments were brought against Alderman Edward M. Burke, Lightfoot called for his resignation.[98][99]

On June 5, 2019, Lightfoot outlined further ethics reform proposals[vague] for the city council.[100][101][102]

COVID-19 pandemic

 
Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Lightfoot took a number of actions aimed at quelling the severity of the outbreak in Chicago. On March 11, 2020, Lightfoot joined Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker to postpone of the city's formal Saint Patrick's Day festivities (including parades and the dyeing of the Chicago River).[103] On March 15, Lightfoot decided that, due to concerns surrounding Saint Patrick's Day festivities, all businesses selling liquor must have less than half of their regular maximum capacity, and must additionally not exceed a capacity of 100 people.[104]

On March 12, 2020, Lightfoot again joined Pritzker to issue, among other things, a ban on events attended by more than 1,000 people from being held over the next 30 days.[105][106]

On March 15, Lightfoot criticized the long lines at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport as a result of federal government travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic as "utterly unacceptable".[107] Under the federal government's travel restrictions, authorized passengers could only take flights from 26 permitted European nations to a total of thirteen permitted United States airports, of which O'Hare was one.[108]

 
Under Lightfoot, Chicago launched a campaign urging residents to follow Illinois' stay-at-home order.

Lightfoot's administration supplemented the state response with municipal public health measures, and the mayor leveraged the visibility of her office to promote adherence. On March 20, 2020, Lightfoot extended Chicago Public School closures beyond the Illinois state mandate.[109] Chicago's Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady, signed a public health order prohibiting residents diagnosed with or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 from leaving their place of residence for work or other public gatherings. The order made exceptions for sick residents seeking essential services, such as clinical care, medicine, and food. Lightfoot declared that those found to be in violation of this order could be issued a citation.[109] On March 27, Lightfoot also placed a ban on contact sports and closed the city's parks, beaches, and trails due to recent instances of residents gathering in public places in breach of the state's stay-at-home order.[110] On April 8, Lightfoot introduced a curfew on liquor sales in an attempt to curb crowds congregating outside liquor stores.[111][112] Lightfoot even directly participated in the enforcement of the state's stay-at-home order, personally patrolling the city and confronting violators.[113][114] This no-nonsense approach to enforcing COVID-19 restrictions inspired a series of Lightfoot-centric internet memes that first gained popularity in late March.[115][116][117]

Lightfoot also endorsed proactive public health measures. On March 31, 2020, Lightfoot announced that she had secured 300 hotel rooms in the city's downtown to house first responders, which they could use so that they would not need to go to their homes and risk spreading COVID-19 to their families,[118][119] and her administration worked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to establish a makeshift hospital at McCormick Place.[110][120] On April 7, Lightfoot signed an executive order affirming the eligibility of undocumented immigrants for city benefits and services, including COVID-19 relief, although such protections were already guaranteed under the Welcoming City Ordinance passed under the previous administration.[121] Lightfoot also partnered with Chicago's professional sports teams to launch the "We Are Not Playing" advertisement campaign.[122][123]

 
Members of the Illinois Air National Guard work to convert McCormick Place into a makeshift hospital
 
Lightfoot inspects the temporary hospital facility being erected at McCormick Place in April 2020

In early April, Lightfoot began to draw criticism for perceived hypocrisy and opacity in relation to the city's pandemic response. When Lightfoot was found to have gotten her hair cut in violation of the state's stay-at-home order, she argued that she was justified in doing so, saying, "I'm the public face of this city. I'm on national media and I'm out in the public eye."[124] Lightfoot also courted controversy in defending her support for the suspension of Freedom of Information Act response deadlines. The mayor invoked the Old Testament to contend that FOIA requests diverted municipal employees from lifesaving duties: "I'm mindful of the fact that we're in the Pesach season, the angel of death that we all talk about is the Passover story, that angel of death is right here in our midst every single day."[125] In response, the digital-rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation awarded Lightfoot the tongue-in-cheek "Pharaoh Prize for Deadline Extensions."[126] Lightfoot was further scrutinized for her decision to issue new restrictions, including a stay-at-home advisory, on November 12, as she had been seen days earlier at a large gathering celebrating Joe Biden's election victory.[127][128]

Education

As mayor-elect, Lightfoot opposed state legislation that would create a 21-member school board, calling it "unwieldy".[129] (Lightfoot had previously advocated for an elected Chicago school board.) Nevertheless, in July 2021, governor J. B. Pritzker signed such legislation over Lightfoot's objections.[130]

Fiscal issues

On November 23, 2019, a plan by Lightfoot to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021 was approved by the Chicago City Council. This increase did not include restaurant servers and tipped workers.[131]

In the fall of 2019, Lightfoot proposed a graduated transfer tax for commercial real estate sales. Under this proposal, the city would capture more money from large real estate transfers while also providing a tax break for most transfers valued under $500,000.[89][needs update]

On November 26, 2019, the Chicago City Council approved Lightfoot's budget for the 2020 fiscal year.[132][133]

Public safety and police

Shortly after taking office, Lightfoot faced what was regarded as her first test at preserving public safety. In prior years, violence had often increased over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago.[134][135] In an attempt to eschew this pattern, Lightfoot initiated Our City. Our Safety, under which extra police patrols were stationed in busy locations and troubled spots, and free youth programs were organized by the Chicago Park District at about a hundred locations.[134][135] A notable extent of the violence was still witnessed over the weekend, to which Lightfoot responded, "We can't claim victory and we certainly can't celebrate. We have much more work to do."[136]

On May 28, 2019, Lightfoot outlined a plan to focus on reducing the city's gun violence.[136] On May 28, 2019, Lightfoot urged the city council to pass an ordinance within her first hundred days that would establish a level of civilian oversight on the Chicago Police Department.[136]

Lightfoot launched a community policing initiative in June 2019.[137] Later that month she announced that the city's police department would not assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, denying ICE access to the city's police database in an effort to prevent the city's illegal immigrant population from facing deportation.[138][139]

 
Lightfoot with Police Superintendent David Brown in 2022

On November 8, 2019, after Eddie T. Johnson announced that he would resign from his position as superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, Lightfoot named Charlie Beck to serve as interim superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.[140] On December 2, rather than letting Johnson voluntarily retire, Lightfoot fired him due to what she declared were "intolerable" actions by him and him misleading the public.[141] Lightfoot nominated David Brown to be superintendent of police on April 2, 2020.[142] After Beck stepped down on April 15, Brown became acting superintendent, while pending confirmation to serve on a permanent basis.[143]

On November 13, 2019, Lightfoot proposed an ordinance that would create a new Office of Public Safety Administration, which would combine administrative functions of Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department and the Office of Public Safety Administration.[144]

In June 2020, Lightfoot voiced her opposition to an ordinance proposed by alderman Roderick Sawyer, which would end the Chicago Public Schools' contract to station Chicago Police Department officers at schools.[145]

In May 2021, Lightfoot nominated Annette Nance-Holt to be the city fire commissioner. She was confirmed to the position by the Chicago City Council on June 23.[146] Nance-Holt is the first woman to serve in a permanent capacity as the commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.[147][148]

On June 17, 2021, WBEN reported that Chicago led the nation in mass shootings, averaging approximately one per week. In response to the city's third mass shooting in four days, Lightfoot said: "We are part of a club of cities to which no one wants to belong: cities with mass shootings."[149]

2020 Black Lives Matter police violence protests

During the 2020 Black Lives Matter (BLM) anti-police violence protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd, Lightfoot, who campaigned as a police reformer, stated that police unions have continued to be one of the main obstacles to reform of the department:

"Unfortunately, in history in our city, and I think the history of other cities, unions are extraordinarily reluctant to embrace reform and that's a current state of affairs here... We have had to take them to arbitration to win very modest reforms, and that's a shame of the history of collective bargaining where there hasn't been an emphasis on reform and accountability... These contracts... are a significant problem and challenge in getting the reforms necessary."

Lightfoot further stated that police violence and brutality "demean the badge" and asked the public to report police misconduct.[150]

On May 31, during a conference call with all 50 Chicago aldermen, Lightfoot got into a heated argument with fellow Democrat Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward. The two swore at one another after Lopez criticized the mayor's response to looting and rioting during the George Floyd protests.[151]

In August 2020, she came under criticism for not allowing protests on the block where she lives. Lightfoot said this was justified because she had received threats.[152][153]

Second anniversary as mayor

On May 19, 2021, Lightfoot stated she would only choose reporters of color for interviews on the occasion of her second anniversary in office. This sparked considerable backlash, with many calling for her resignation, including Tulsi Gabbard.[154][155] Judicial Watch sued Lightfoot on behalf of The Daily Caller, alleging that Lightfoot violated journalist Thomas Catenacci's First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.[156]

Universal basic income pilot

 
Advertising for Lightfoot's 2019 mayoral campaign

In February 2022, it was announced by Lightfoot that Chicago residents would be able to apply to participate in the city's $500-per-month basic income pilot program in April of that year.[157] The pilot program was offered to Chicago residents who suffered economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving them the chance to enter into a lottery to get $500 monthly payments for the course of one year.[158] The pilot program was for 5,000 participants and had the requirements of: the applicant must live in Chicago, be at least 18 years old, have experienced economic hardship related to COVID-19, and have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.[159] It was stated to be the largest universal basic income pilot program in the U.S. to date.[159]

2023 mayoral campaign

In the 2023 Chicago mayoral election, a wide field of nine challengers qualified for the ballot.[160] Polling of the race was largely inconsistent, but indicated that Lightfoot was in danger of losing re-election and that the candidates with the best chance of making a runoff were Lightfoot, U.S. Representative Chuy García, Cook County commissioner Brandon Johnson, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, and businessman Willie Wilson.[161]

Lightfoot faced controversy when she emailed public school teachers offering school credit for students who interned on her campaign[162] and when she told South Side residents to either vote for her or not vote at all.[163] Lightfoot ran ads tying García to Sam Bankman-Fried and Michael Madigan and accusing Johnson of wanting to reduce police budgets.[164][165]

On February 28, 2023, Lightfoot finished in third place out of nine candidates. Therefore, she failed to qualify for the run-off election of the top two candidates.[166] She garnered 16.81% of the vote, while Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson received 32.90% and 21.63%, respectively.[167] Johnson prevailed in the April 4, 2023 runoff.[168] Lightfoot was the only of the seven eliminated candidates not to endorse either Johnson or Vallas ahead of the runoff.[169]

Approval rating

Below is a table of polls on Lightfoot's approval rating among Chicagoans, descending from most to least recent:

Segment polled Polling group Date Approve Disapprove Sample size Margin-of-error Polling method Source
Registered voters Echelon Insights February 15–19, 2023 27% 66% 800 (RV) ± 4.5% Text-to-web and telephone [170]
Registered voters Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy January 31 – February 3, 2023 32% 61% 1,040 (LV) ± 4% Telephone [171]
Likely voters IZQ Strategies January 27 – February 2, 2023 25%A 73% 1,040 (LV) ± 3% Text message [172]
Residents The Harris Poll December 2022 26% 53% [173]
Likely Voters The Harris Poll December 5–15, 2022 24% 53% 1,005 (LV) ± 4.0% Online [174][175]
Likely voters Impact Research (D) -poll sponsored by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, which endorsed Chuy García for mayor November 10–17, 2022 68% 700 (LV) ± 3.7% [176]
Likely voters Public Policy Polling (for Chuy García campaign committee) October 26–27, 2022 38% 616 ± 4% telephone and text message [177]
Bendixen/Armandi September 5, 2022 44% 54% [178]
Commissioned by Pat Quinn during exploration of 2023 mayoral campaign June 2022 28.5% [179]
Residents The Harris Poll June 7, 2022 – June 17, 2022 19% 54% 532 Online [180][181]
Likely voters The Harris Poll June 2022 22% Online [182][183]
Likely voters Impact Research (for Mike Quigley exploratory campaign committee) March 21–27, 2022 36% 61% 600 telephone and text-to-web [184]
Residents WGN-TV/Emerson College August 13–15, 2021 43% 46% 1000 ± 3% telephone and online [185]
Registered voters Emerson College May 31 – June 1, 2021 48% 39% 1000 ± 3% telephone and online [186]
Residents Change Research May 7–11, 2021 53% 454 ± 4.8% online [187]
Registered voters Wirepoints/RealClear Opinion Research September 26 – October 4, 2020 61% 33% 895 ± 3.28% telephone and online [188]
Likely voters GBAO Research + Strategy June 21–23, 2020 78% 500 ± 4.4% [189]
Likely voters Global Strategy Group May 18–22, 2020 75% 17% 126 ± 8% telephone [190][191]
Registered voters Public Policy Polling October 11–12, 2019 54% 15% 618 ± 3.9% telephone [192]
Likely voters GBAO Research + Strategy August 19–22, 2019 77% 13% 800 ± 3.5% telephone [193][194]
Registered voters Victory Research May 20–23, 2019 70.7% 25.6% 801 ± 3.46% telephone [195]

Notes on polls

^A 6% "strongly approve", 19% "somewhat approve", 25% "somewhat disapprove", 48% "strongly disapprove", and 2% "not sure".

Post-mayoral career

After losing her bid for re-election as mayor of Chicago, Lightfoot began teaching a course (titled "Health Policy and Leadership") as a Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health.[196]

National politics

On March 6, 2020, shortly before the 2020 Illinois Democratic presidential primary, Lightfoot endorsed Joe Biden's candidacy for president.[197]

Lightfoot appeared in a video shown on the opening night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention which also features Biden, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, activist Jamira Burley, activist Gwen Carr, and NAACP President Derrick Johnson.[198]

Lightfoot was a 2020 Democratic United States Electoral College elector from Illinois, casting her votes for Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice-president.[199][200]

Personal life

Lightfoot resides in the Logan Square neighborhood, on Chicago's Northwest Side.[201] On May 31, 2014, she married Amy Eshleman,[1][17] a former Chicago Public Library employee, who is now a full-time mother to the couple's adopted daughter.[39][202]

Lightfoot has held Chicago Bears season tickets for 20 years,[1] and is also a Chicago White Sox season ticket-holder.[203] She is also a season ticket holder for the WNBA's Chicago Sky.[204]

Lightfoot made an appearance on a TV mini-series called The Second City Presents: The Last Show Left on Earth.[205]

Lightfoot is a Founding Trustee at Christ the King Jesuit High School in Chicago.[206] She is also a member of St. James AME Zion Church.[206]

During some of her years as a partner at Mayer Brown, Lightfoot earned approximately $1 million annually.[207]

Awards and honors

 
Lightfoot leading the 2019 Chicago Pride Parade

In June 2019, Lightfoot was selected as one of several grand marshals of the Chicago Pride Parade.[208]

In June 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ Pride parade, Queerty named her among the fifty heroes "leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people".[209][210]

In October 2020, Lightfoot was chosen by the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) to receive the NMQF Honorable John Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award.[211]

Electoral history

2019 Chicago mayoral election
Candidate General election[212] Runoff election[213]
Votes % Votes %
Lori Lightfoot 97,667 17.54 386,039 73.70
Toni Preckwinkle 89,343 16.04 137,765 26.30
William Daley 82,294 14.78
Willie Wilson 59,072 10.61
Susana Mendoza 50,373 9.05
Amara Enyia 44,589 8.00
Jerry Joyce 40,099 7.20
Gery Chico 34,521 6.20
Paul Vallas 30,236 5.43
Garry McCarthy 14,784 2.66
La Shawn K. Ford 5,606 1.01
Robert "Bob" Fioretti 4,302 0.77
John Kolzar 2,349 0.42
Neal Sales-Griffin 1,523 0.27
Write-ins 86 0.02
Total 556,844 100 523,804 100
2023 Chicago mayoral election
Candidate General election[167] Runoff election[214]
Votes % Votes %
Brandon Johnson 122,093 21.63 319,481 52.16
Paul Vallas 185,743 32.90 293,033 47.84
Lori Lightfoot (incumbent) 94,890 16.81
Chuy García 77,222 13.68
Willie Wilson 51,567 9.13
Ja'Mal Green 12,257 2.17
Kam Buckner 11,092 1.96
Sophia King 7,191 1.27
Roderick Sawyer 2,440 0.43
Write-ins 29 0.00
Total 564,524 100.00 612,514 100.00

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Lightfoot is the second black person elected mayor of Chicago, but the third black person to serve as mayor of Chicago. Eugene Sawyer served a partial term as an unelected mayor from 1987 to 1989 following the death of Harold Washington; Sawyer was appointed to the post by the Chicago City Council.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Steinberg, Neil; FitzPatrick, Lauren (April 3, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot: From 'kickass trial lawyer' to Chicago's next mayor". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  2. ^ Hurley, Caroline; Schiffman, Lizzie; Asiegbu, Grace (August 3, 2021). "Chicago City Council: Learn More about Your City Council Member". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  3. ^ Yin, Alice; Pratt, Gregory (February 28, 2023). "The battle for City Hall is on: Paul Vallas will face Brandon Johnson to become Chicago's next mayor". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  4. ^ "The Latest: Lightfoot begins life as Chicago's mayor-elect". Associated Press. April 3, 2019. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019 – via The Washington Post.
  5. ^ "New Face and Longtime Politician Vying for Chicago Mayor". Associated Press. April 1, 2019. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019 – via WTTW.
  6. ^ "Mayer Brown partner Lori Lightfoot recognized by Chicago business and legal groups". Mayer Brown. June 7, 2017. Archived from the original on April 11, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  7. ^ "Police Accountability Task Force Members". Chicago Police Accountability Task Force. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  8. ^ Dardick, Hal (May 8, 2018). "Lightfoot on Emanuel challenge: She'll be progressive candidate who makes City Hall serve everyone". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  9. ^ "Here's how Chicago's historic Election Day unfolded". Chicago Tribune. February 26, 2019. Archived from the original on February 26, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  10. ^ a b "The Latest: 2 black women advance in Chicago mayor race". Associated Press. February 26, 2019. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  11. ^ Bauer, Kelly (March 1, 2023). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot Loses Reelection Bid, First One-Term Mayor In 40 Years". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  12. ^ Korecki, Natasha (March 1, 2023). "Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election". NBC News.
  13. ^ a b "Chicago's historic election: Lori Lightfoot appears to have swept all 50 wards in the city's mayoral race". Chicago Tribune. April 2, 2019. Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  14. ^ Ruthhart, Bill (April 2, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot elected Chicago mayor, making her the first African-American woman to lead the city". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h Black, Curtis (January 17, 2019). "Is Lori Lightfoot really the progressive candidate?". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on February 19, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  16. ^ a b c Spielman, Fran (May 8, 2018). "Does Lori Lightfoot have a path to victory in crowded race for mayor?". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  17. ^ a b c d e f "Before She Was Mayor: An In-Depth Profile of Lori Lightfoot". WTTW News. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  18. ^ a b c Bowean, Lolly (April 4, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot: From small-town girl to big-city mayor". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  19. ^ "Lori E. Lightfoot". Massillon Washington High School Alumni Association. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  20. ^ Ahern, Mary Ann (April 5, 2019). "Lightfoot Says Trump Called After Her Election". NBC Chicago. Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  21. ^ a b c Kozlowski, Kim; Rahal, Sarah (April 2, 2019). "UM alum Lightfoot to be Chicago's 1st black female mayor". Detroit News. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  22. ^ a b Preston, Charles (June 6, 2018). "Lori Lightfoot looks to tackle obstacles to become mayor". The Chicago Defender. Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  23. ^ Ahern, Mary Ann (February 28, 2019). "Preckwinkle, Lightfoot Reveal Differing Strategies Ahead of Election". NBC Chicago. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  24. ^ a b Ihejirika, Maudlyne (June 24, 2016). "The woman at the center of Rahm Emanuel's efforts to reform the police". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  25. ^ a b c Ring, Trudy (February 20, 2019). "The Progressive Black Lesbian Who Could Be Chicago's Mayor". www.advocate.com. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  26. ^ a b c d Sun-Times Editorial Board (February 8, 2019). "Why the Sun-Times endorses Lori Lightfoot to be Chicago's next mayor". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  27. ^ "IN RE: Attorney Lori E. LIGHTFOOT. | FindLaw". Caselaw.findlaw.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  28. ^ a b c "Behind Lori Lightfoot's image as police reformer, her past reveals complicated picture". chicagotribune.com. February 20, 2019. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  29. ^ Wall, Craig (March 19, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot responds to accusations she covered up police-involved shooting in 2000". ABC7 Chicago. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  30. ^ a b c Black, Curtis (March 21, 2019). "Lightfoot's long, complicated record on policing easy to distort". Chicago Reporter. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  31. ^ Byrne, John (February 27, 2019). "Lightfoot resigns from Police Board, clearing path for possible mayoral run". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  32. ^ staff, Chicago Tribune (May 7, 2016). "10 years ago: Christina Eilman falls from a Chicago high-rise". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  33. ^ a b "Former federal prosecutor picked to run Chicago Police Board". Chicago Sun-Times. May 31, 2015. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  34. ^ "Police Accountability Task Force". chicagopatf.org. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  35. ^ Warren, James (February 28, 2019). "Opinion | Chicago will be run by a black woman. But is it ready for reform?". Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  36. ^ "Official Statement from BYP100 Chicago Chapter on Lori Lightfoot and the Mayor Appointed Police Task Force » BYP100". BYP100. February 25, 2016. Archived from the original on February 28, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  37. ^ Ruthhart, Bill; Byrne, John (August 3, 2017). "Emanuel to reappoint Lightfoot as president of Chicago's police discipline board". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  38. ^ "Lori Lightfoot running for Chicago mayor". ABC7 Chicago. May 10, 2018. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  39. ^ a b Chicago Tribune staff (January 26, 2019). "Who is Lori Lightfoot?". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  40. ^ "In Chicago mayor's race, Rahm Emanuel's exit makes room for powerful women of color". motherjones.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  41. ^ Staff, GoPride com News. "Lightfoot to become first openly lesbian candidate for Chicago mayor". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  42. ^ "Emanuel campaign fundraising far outpaces competition". ABC7 Chicago. July 3, 2018. Archived from the original on March 25, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  43. ^ "Mayor Rahm Emanuel Has More Campaign Money Than Political Opponents – CBS Chicago". Chicago.cbslocal.com. September 4, 2018. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  44. ^ Slevin, Peter (February 22, 2019). "In Chicago's Mayoral Race, the Establishment Leads the Outsiders". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  45. ^ Esposito, Stefano (December 24, 2018). "Lightfoot stays on mayoral ballot; Preckwinkle campaign drops petition challenge". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on February 28, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  46. ^ "Chicago: Political corruption charges shadow mayor's race". Usatoday.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  47. ^ Spielman, Fran (February 6, 2019). "Lightfoot TV ad shines light on 'Burke Four' she says are 'like cockroaches'". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  48. ^ McClelland, Edward (February 27, 2019). "How Lori Lightfoot Finished First | Chicago magazine | Politics & City Life February 2019". Chicagomag.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  49. ^ a b Brown, Mark (February 26, 2019). "Lightfoot hangs tough for an amazing turnaround by any standard". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  50. ^ Dr. Willie Wilson (February 1, 2019). "Dr. Willie Wilson on Twitter: "Victory Research Poll @nbcchicago @ABC7Chicago @cbschicago @fox32news @WVON1690 @wttw @WBBMNewsradio @wlsam890 @V103 @v103chicago @WGCI @1075wgci @WVON1690 @Power92Chicago @ChicagoPower92 @1063Chicago @B96Chicago @TheJamTVShow @GoodDayChicago @wsoeorg @Chicago_NC @WGNRadioNews‌"". Twitter.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  51. ^ "Poll jam: Preckwinkle, Daley inch ahead as all 14 struggle to crack 13 percent". Chicago Sun-Times. January 25, 2019. Archived from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  52. ^ "Sun Times Chicago Mayoral Jan 2019 Draft | Opinion Poll | Margin Of Error". Scribd. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  53. ^ David Binder Research (January 22, 2019). "RE: Preckwinkle's Support Declines by Near Double Digits". Politico.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  54. ^ "5-Person Dash to Finish of Chicago Mayoral Race, Poll Shows". NBC Chicago. February 14, 2019. Archived from the original on February 28, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  55. ^ Loria, Jane (February 24, 2019). "Three-Way Tie on the Eve of Chicago's Mayoral Election". Politico. Archived from the original on February 25, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  56. ^ Ann, Mary (March 5, 2019). "Spurred on By Upset Win, Lightfoot Gains Momentum Ahead of Runoff". NBC Chicago. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  57. ^ Kapos, Shia (February 27, 2019). "SHOCKER: It's LORI v. TONI in runoff — WINNERS & LOSERS — 3 aldermen are OUT". Politico. Archived from the original on February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  58. ^ Editorial Board (March 15, 2019). "Tribune Editorial Board endorsement for mayor of Chicago: Lori Lightfoot". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  59. ^ Sun-Times Editorial Board (March 19, 2019). "EDITORIAL: Finish the job, Chicago, and elect Lori Lightfoot for mayor". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  60. ^ Spielman, Fran; Esposito, Stefano; Closson, Troy (March 8, 2019). "Wilson endorsement caps good week for Lightfoot's mayoral campaign". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  61. ^ staff, Chicago Tribune (March 25, 2019). "Who are losing mayoral candidates backing in the runoff election? Hint: not Toni Preckwinkle". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  62. ^ Hinz, Greg (March 25, 2019). "A new mayoral poll reveals a big Lightfoot lead—and a warning". Crain's Chicago Business. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  63. ^ Conboy, Benjamin (March 4, 2019). "Poll: Lightfoot Stretches Lead Over Preckwinkle". WMAQ-TV. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  64. ^ a b Editorial Board (March 19, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot and the police academy kerfuffle: Bold ideas aren't necessarily bad ideas". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  65. ^ Pratt, Gregory; Perez Jr., Juan (March 21, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot counters Chance the Rapper's criticism during Chicago mayor debate". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  66. ^ Khwaja, Maria (March 19, 2019). "Op-Ed: Lori Lightfoot's Dark Promises". South Side Weekly. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  67. ^ Lightfoot, Lori (March 21, 2019). "A comment I made last week has been misinterpreted. Let me be clear: I am not proposing creating any additional police training facilities. Mayor Emanuel's proposal has passed the City Council and the academy will be located on the West Side". @LightfootForChi. Archived from the original on April 21, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  68. ^ "Who are losing mayoral candidates backing in the runoff election? Hint: not Toni Preckwinkle". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  69. ^ "Chicago 2019 Mayor and Alderman Election Results – Chicago Sun-Times". Chicago Sun-Times. April 3, 2019. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  70. ^ Hinton, Rachel (April 3, 2019). "Preckwinkle staffer on why 'everyone' voted for Lightfoot—including the staffer". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  71. ^ "Chicago Election Summary Report" (PDF). April 2, 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 3, 2020.
  72. ^ Bosman, Julie; Smith, Mitch (January 28, 2022). "Lori Lightfoot Promised to Change Chicago. Crises Keep Piling Up". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  73. ^ "Lori Lightfoot wants Laquan McDonald 'code of silence' trial re-examined". WGN-TV. April 4, 2019. Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
  74. ^ Spielman, Fran (April 6, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot says city can get a better deal from Lincoln Yards developer". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  75. ^ "Press Release – Lightfoot on Lincoln Yards: Need answers, community input". Lori Lightfoot for Chicago. January 11, 2019. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  76. ^ Spielman, Fran (April 8, 2019). "Rahm cancels votes on Lincoln Yards, 'The 78,' but one alderman wants to proceed". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  77. ^ Kapos, Shia; Hurst, Adrienne (April 10, 2019). "BREAKING: LIGHTFOOT says yes to Lincoln Yards, 78 — BUTTIGIEG likes Chicago — PRITZKER rallies unions". POLITICO. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  78. ^ "As Newly Elected Aldermen Protest Outside, City Council Approves $1.6 Billion Lincoln Yards, The 78 Projects". Block Club Chicago. April 10, 2019. Archived from the original on April 10, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  79. ^ Byrne, Gregory Pratt, John (May 20, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot sworn in as Chicago's first black woman and first openly gay mayor: 'Get ready because reform is here.'". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  80. ^ "Live Blog: Lori Lightfoot Sworn in as Chicago's 56th Mayor". NBC Chicago. May 20, 2019. Archived from the original on May 20, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  81. ^ "Lightfoot Announces Task Force To Tackle City's Shortage Of Affordable Housing". CBS News Chicago. October 14, 2019. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  82. ^ Hinz, Greg (November 20, 2019). "Lightfoot panel to rewrite city's affordable housing law". Crain's Chicago Business. Archived from the original on November 23, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  83. ^ With, L. "Chicago Must Build More Affordable Housing That Black, Latino Chicagoans Can Actually Afford: Task Force". PBS WTTW. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  84. ^ Pratt, Gregory (July 27, 2020) [March 17, 2021]. "Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces $33 million in housing assistance grants, including mortgage and rent relief, from federal coronavirus relief funds – Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  85. ^ Cobbs, Courtney (March 16, 2021) [March 17, 2021]. "Chicago housing department says it will prioritize racial equity in affordable housing resources – Streetsblog Chicago". Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  86. ^ Quig, A.D. (March 6, 2020). "Lightfoot names her pick to head Chicago Housing Authority". Crain's Chicago Business. Archived from the original on March 16, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  87. ^ "Board of Commissioners approves Tracey Scott as CEO of Chicago Housing Authority | The Chicago Housing Authority". www.thecha.org. The Chicago Housing Authority. March 30, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  88. ^ a b c Byrne, John (June 3, 2019). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Chicago casino: Big win, up next a study to decide where to put it". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  89. ^ a b Spielman, Fran (October 14, 2019). "Lightfoot floats casino, real estate transfer tax plans with Chicago delegation ahead of fall veto session". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  90. ^ "Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces Bally's proposal as final pick for Chicago casino". ABC News. May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  91. ^ a b "'I have the biggest d*** in Chicago': Mayor Lightfoot sued for defamation, accused of profane comments". WGNTV.com. March 3, 2022.
  92. ^ a b "Lightfoot accused of profanity-laced tirade against Park District lawyers over Christopher Columbus statue deal". www.cbsnews.com. March 3, 2022.
  93. ^ a b Beals, Monique (March 3, 2022). "Chicago mayor accused of making obscene remarks, berating lawyers: lawsuit". The Hill.
  94. ^ Ahern, Mary Ann (March 4, 2022). "Lawsuit Claims Lightfoot Defamed Attorney Using Obscenities Over Columbus Statue Removal". NBC Chicago.
  95. ^ Ahern, Mary Ann (March 4, 2022). "'Lacking Merit': Lightfoot Responds to Defamation Lawsuit From Attorney". NBC Chicago.
  96. ^ "Lightfoot limits aldermanic prerogative in 1st executive order as mayor". WGN-TV. May 20, 2019. Archived from the original on May 20, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  97. ^ Speilman, Fran (May 28, 2019). "Lightfoot proposes new operating rules for City Council". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  98. ^ Hall, Gaynor; Wang, Judy (May 31, 2019). "'Absolutely repugnant': Lightfoot pushes for Burke's resignation amid new charges". WGN-TV. Archived from the original on June 1, 2019. Retrieved June 1, 2019.
  99. ^ Byrne, John (May 31, 2019). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls on Ald. Edward Burke to resign". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  100. ^ Freund, Sara (June 5, 2019). "Lightfoot pushes new oversight on aldermen, and will tackle zoning reform next". Curbed Chicago. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  101. ^ Spielman, Fran (June 5, 2019). "Lightfoot follows Burke indictment with another round of ethics reforms". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  102. ^ Hinz, Greg (June 5, 2019). "Lightfoot's new moves to rein in aldermen". Crain's Chicago Business. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  103. ^ "City of Chicago postpones St. Patrick's Day Weekend Parades as Part of Precautionary Measures Taken to Protect Health and Safety amid Coronavirus Concerns". www.chicago.gov. City of Chicago. March 11, 2020. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  104. ^ @chicagosmayor (March 15, 2020). "EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Due to concerns around St. Patrick's Day festivities, the City is enforcing all businesses that sell liquor to have less than half of their regular max capacity. Additionally, any establishments that sell liquor will have a max capacity of 100 people" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  105. ^ Vinicky, Amanda (March 12, 2020). "Officials Announce New Measures to Limit Coronavirus Spread as Illinois Cases Rise to 32". WTTW News. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  106. ^ "State of Illinois and City of Chicago Issue New Guidance to Minimize COVID-19 Spread". www.chicago.gov. City of Chicago. March 12, 2020. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  107. ^ "'Utterly Unacceptable': Lightfoot Reacts to Long Lines at O'Hare Due to Coronavirus Screenings". NBC Chicago. March 15, 2020. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  108. ^ Aratani, Lori; Miroff, Nick (March 13, 2020). "Passengers flying to the U.S. from 26 countries in Europe will face enhanced screening". Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 16, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  109. ^ a b D'Onofrio, Jessica (March 20, 2020). "Coronavirus Chicago: Mayor Lori Lightfoot outlines steps to combat COVID-19, help small businesses". ABC7 Chicago. WLS-TV. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  110. ^ a b Pratt, Gregory; Byrne, John; Munks, Jamie; Pearson, Rick; Buckley, Madeline (March 27, 2020). "As Illinois sees largest daily increase in coronavirus cases, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot bans contact sports; closes popular city parks, beaches and trails". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 1, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  111. ^ "Chicago Mayor Lightfoot: Curfew On Liquor Sales Starts Thursday". CBS Chicago. April 8, 2020. Archived from the original on April 12, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  112. ^ Byrne, John; Sherry, Sophie (April 6, 2020). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot floats move to crack down on congregating outside Chicago liquor stores". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 12, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  113. ^ Pratt, Gregory (April 9, 2020). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she broke up an apparent underage drinking party while enforcing coronavirus social distancing rules". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 12, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  114. ^ Bauer, Kelly (April 9, 2020). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot Drove Around Chicago, Telling People To Go Home". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on April 12, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  115. ^ Moskop, Susan (March 30, 2020). "Lori Lightfoot memes are giving Chicago a laugh during coronavirus". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 31, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  116. ^ "Memes of Mayor Lightfoot enforcing stay-at-home order bring light to dark times". WGN-TV. March 30, 2020. Archived from the original on March 31, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  117. ^ "Even Mayor Lori Lightfoot Can't Get Enough of These 'Where's Lightfoot' Memes". NBC Chicago. WMAQ-TV. March 30, 2020. Archived from the original on April 1, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  118. ^ "Coronavirus Chicago: Downtown hotel rooms set aside for first responders, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says". ABC7 Chicago. WLS-TV. March 31, 2020. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  119. ^ "Chicago reserves nearly 300 downtown hotel rooms for first responders". WGN-TV. March 31, 2020. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  120. ^ "Coronavirus Chicago: Mayor Lori Lightfoot to tour McCormick Place alternate care facility". news.yahoo.com. Yahoo News. WLS-TV. April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  121. ^ Pratt, Gregory (April 7, 2020). "Amid coronavirus crisis, Mayor Lori Lightfoot signs order ensuring city benefits for immigrants living in US without legal permission". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 12, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  122. ^ Kane, Colleen (April 6, 2020). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot joins 8 Chicago sports teams in a new 'We Are Not Playing' ad campaign to help stop the coronavirus spread". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  123. ^ Pope, Ben (April 6, 2020). "Chicago's official new sports motto: "We Are Not Playing"". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on April 12, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  124. ^ Wong, Wilson (April 11, 2020). "Chicago mayor defends hairstylist visit amid coronavirus outbreak". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  125. ^ Byrne, John (April 8, 2020). "Chicago Mayor Lightfoot supports suspending FOIA deadlines during coronavirus shutdown, says saving lives more important". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  126. ^ Crites, Dave Maass, Aaron Mackey, Naomi Gilens, and Caitlyn (March 14, 2021). "The Foilies 2021". Electronic Frontier Foundation. Retrieved March 16, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  127. ^ Flood, Brian; Wulfsohn, Joseph (November 13, 2020). "Chicago mayor defends appearing at large Biden celebration days before issuing Thanksgiving lockdown". FOX News. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  128. ^ Pathieu, Diane; Baca, Stacey; Horng, Eric (November 12, 2020). "Chicago COVID-19: Stay-at-Home Advisory issued by Mayor Lori Lightfoot with new restrictions on gatherings, meetings". ABC7 Chicago. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  129. ^ Wall, Craig (April 5, 2019). "Mayor-Elect Lori Lightfoot vows to make changes at City Hall, pushes back on elected school board bill". ABC7 Chicago. WLS-TV. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  130. ^ Hinton, Rachel (July 29, 2021). "Chicago gets elected school board — Pritzker signs bill opposed by Lightfoot, looks 'forward to ongoing conversations' with her". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  131. ^ Elejalde-Ruiz, Alexia (November 26, 2019). "Chicago City Council raises minimum wage to $15 by 2021, but restaurant servers still will get lower tipped wage". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  132. ^ Spielman, Fran (November 26, 2019). "City Council approves Lightfoot's $11.6 billion budget — with 11 'no' votes". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  133. ^ Feurer, Todd (November 26, 2019). "Despite Criticism Her Spending Plan Is 'Smoke And Mirrors,' Mayor Lori Lightfoot's 2020 Budget Sails Through City Council". CBS Chicago. Archived from the original on November 28, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  134. ^ a b Loo, Nancy; Tahman, Bradley; Rebik, Dana (May 24, 2019). "Chicago agencies roll out Memorial Day weekend safety plans Nancy Loo, Tahman Bradley and Dana Rebik". WGN-TV. Archived from the original on May 26, 2019. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  135. ^ a b Wall, Craig; McAdams, Alexis (May 23, 2019). "MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT OUTLINES 'OUR CITY, OUR SAFETY' PLAN". WLS-TV. Archived from the original on May 23, 2019. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  136. ^ a b c Pratt, Gregory; Donovan, Lisa (May 28, 2019). "Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lays out 100-day ethics agenda: 'Change is necessary'". Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lays out 100-day ethics agenda: ‘Change is necessary’. Archived from the original on June 1, 2019. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
  137. ^ Pathieu, Diane; Wall, Craig (June 10, 2019). "LIGHTFOOT LAUNCHES NEW COMMUNITY POLICING INITIATIVE AFTER VIOLENT WEEKEND". ABC7 Chicago. WLS-TV. Archived from the original on June 11, 2019. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  138. ^ Koziarz, Jay (June 21, 2019). "Chicago Police Department will not assist in ICE raids, says Lightfoot". Curbed Chicago. Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  139. ^ "After Reports of ICE Raids, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Says City Won't Cooperate With Federal Agents". NBC Chicago. WMAQ-TV. June 22, 2019. Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  140. ^ "Charlie Beck Named Interim Chicago Police Superintendent, As Eddie Johnson Retires". CBS News Chicago. November 8, 2019. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  141. ^ Eliott C. McLaughlin (December 2, 2019). "Chicago mayor fires city's top cop for 'intolerable' actions and misleading the public". CNN. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  142. ^ Fran Spielman (April 2, 2020). "Former Dallas police chief is Lightfoot pick for Chicago top cop". Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  143. ^ Masterson, Matt (April 15, 2020). "Charlie Beck Steps Down as David Brown Becomes Chicago's New Top Cop". WTTW News. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  144. ^ Spielman, Fran (November 14, 2019). "Lightfoot wants to expand Chicago Police Board powers". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on November 16, 2019. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  145. ^ Byrne, John; Pratt, Gregory (June 17, 2020). "Chicago cops-out-of-schools plan potentially blocked by Mayor Lori Lightfoot ally". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  146. ^ "Annette Nance-Holt Becomes First Black Woman to Lead Chicago Fire Department". NBC Chicago. June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  147. ^ "First Black female fire commissioner nominee awaits City Council approval | The Crusader Newspaper Group". Chicago Crusader. May 21, 2021. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  148. ^ "Annette Nance-Holt becomes Chicago Fire Department Commissioner". Chicago Defender. May 15, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  149. ^ Yousef, Odette (June 17, 2021). "Chicago Leads The Nation In Mass Shootings, Averaging About One Per Week". WBEZ.
  150. ^ Silva, Christianna (June 6, 2020). "Chicago Mayor Says Police Union Is 'Extraordinarily Reluctant To Embrace Reform'". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  151. ^ "Mayor Lori Lightfoot And Ald. Raymond Lopez Have Foul-Mouthed Argument Over Looting; 'You're 100% Full Of S***' Mayor Says". June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  152. ^ Cherone, Heather (August 20, 2020). "Lightfoot Defends Police Ban on Protests Outside Her Logan Square Home, Citing 'Threats'". WTTW News. Archived from the original on August 23, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  153. ^ "Chicago mayor defends beefed-up police presence near home". ABC News. August 20, 2020. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  154. ^ Yin, Alice (May 19, 2021). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot chooses only reporters of color for interviews ahead of 2-year-anniversary, sparking debate over media diversity and access". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  155. ^ Frias, Lauren. "Tulsi Gabbard accused Lori Lightfoot of 'anti-white racism' after Lightfoot said she will only interview with journalists of color". Business Insider. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  156. ^ Rutz, David (May 27, 2021). "Chicago Mayor Lightfoot sued by Daily Caller after not granting interview to White reporter". Fox News. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  157. ^ Pratt, Gregory (February 24, 2022). "Chicago's new basic income program will open to residents seeking cash assistance in April". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  158. ^ "Applications for city's first guaranteed income program to open April 15". CBS Chicago. April 14, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  159. ^ a b Spielman, Fran (April 13, 2022). "City unveils details of lottery that will decide who gets $500 monthly checks in universal basic income program". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  160. ^ "Mayor Lori Lightfoot Facing Stiff Headwinds As 8 Challengers Vie For Her Job". Chicago Sun-Times. January 25, 2023.
  161. ^ "Chicago mayoral race enters final stretch". www.courthousenews.com.
  162. ^ "Lightfoot responds after campaign emails Chicago teachers for student volunteers". January 12, 2023.
  163. ^ "Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot criticized by mayoral candidates for comments made during rally". ABC7 Chicago. February 19, 2023.
  164. ^ Kapos, Shia (January 4, 2023). "Lightfoot's new ad attacks Garcia on 'crypto crook'". POLITICO.
  165. ^ "Johnson Becomes Focus of Attacks as Mayor's Race Enters Homestretch Amid Swirl of Dark Money". WTTW News.
  166. ^ "Chicago mayor election results". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  167. ^ a b "Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 28, 2023 Municipal General and Alderperson Elections Held in Each of the Precincts in all the Wards in the City of Chicago" (PDF). Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 13, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  168. ^ "Brandon Johnson wins Chicago mayor's race". Axios. April 4, 2023.
  169. ^ McDevitt, Michael (April 5, 2023). "Brandon Johnson Wins Mayoral Election, Becoming Fourth Black Person to Hold the Office". The Daily Line. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  170. ^ "Chicago Citywide Survey Topline" (PDF). Echelon Insights. February 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 28, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  171. ^ Sfondeles, Tina; Tessa, Weinberg (February 8, 2023). "Poll: Garcia, Vallas and Lightfoot in dead heat in Chicago mayor's race". WBEZ Chicago. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  172. ^ "izq_chicago_poll_toplines_20230202.pdf". Google Drive. IZQ Strategies. February 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  173. ^ "Harris Poll CEO: "Voters Are Exhausted"". Chicago Magazine. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  174. ^ "Chicagoans expect to exercise their right to vote for mayor next month—just not sure for whom". The Harris Poll. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  175. ^ "Crosstabs" (PDF). The Harris Poll. January 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  176. ^ Cherone, Heather (December 12, 2022). "García Claims 'Front Runner' Status by 7 Points in Race for Mayor, Says Poll Commissioned by Operating Engineers Union". WTTW News. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  177. ^ Spielman, Fran (October 31, 2022). "Garcia likely to run for mayor after his poll shows him beating Lightfoot in two-way race". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  178. ^ Stewart, Russ (September 28, 2022). "Lightfoot likely loser in runoff in April 2023". Nadig Newspapers – Northwest Side Local Newspapers. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  179. ^ Spielman, Fran (June 13, 2022). "Former governor Quinn revives campaign to limit Chicago mayors to two terms in office". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  180. ^ "Trustworthiness, honesty, competence at top of mind for Chicago voters". Harris Poll. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  181. ^ "Crosstabs" (PDF). The Harris Poll. June 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  182. ^ Almeida, Isis; Singh, Shruti (November 10, 2022). "Chicago's Mayor Race Heats Up as Congressman Garcia Joins In". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  183. ^ Almeida, Isis; Singh, Shruti (November 10, 2022). "Chicago's Mayor Race Heats Up as Congressman Garcia Joins In – BNN Bloomberg". BNN. Bloomberg News. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  184. ^ Ahern, Mary Ann (April 28, 2022). ""Quigley poll shows him winning by 10 in head to head with Lightfoot:" -Tweet". Twitter. Mary Ann Ahern (NBC Chicago). Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  185. ^ Bradley, Tahman; Muck, Jordan (August 17, 2021). "New Poll: Concern over violence rising, Chicago residents unhappy with Lightfoot, Foxx". WGN-TV. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  186. ^ Bradley, Tahman; Muck, Jordan (June 2, 2021). "48% of Chicago voters approve of Mayor Lightfoot's job performance, but crime remains city's top issue". WGN-TV. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  187. ^ Byrne, John (May 13, 2021). "Ghost kitchen poll finds more than half of Chicagoans surveyed approve of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's job performance". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  188. ^ Klingner, John (October 29, 2020). "New poll details Chicagoans' opinions about policing, race and Mayor Lightfoot's performance – Wirepoints Special Report | Wirepoints". Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  189. ^ Spielman, Fran (July 2, 2020). "Lightfoot poll shows strong support for her and the police reforms she champions". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  190. ^ "Illinois Likely 2020 General Election Voters". Global Strategy Group. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  191. ^ Spielman, Fran (June 6, 2020). "One year in, Lightfoot's approval rating at 75%, according to poll taken shortly before looting hit city". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  192. ^ Issa, Nader (October 14, 2019). "Poll: Chicagoans more likely to back teachers than city over potential strike". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  193. ^ "100 days survey Lightfoot standing memo copy.pdf". GBAO Research + Strategy. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  194. ^ Miller, Rich. "Lightfoot poll shows major shift in Chicagoans' attitudes about their city". capitolfax.com. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  195. ^ "Lightfoot's Approval Tops 70% in First Week In Office | The Crusader Newspaper Group". Chicago Crusader. June 5, 2019. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  196. ^ Bizzle, Jeramie (June 1, 2023). "Former Chicago Mayor Lightfoot takes on new role since leaving office". CBSNews Chicago. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  197. ^ Pratt, Gregory (March 6, 2020). "Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Sen. Dick Durbin endorse Joe Biden for president". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune.
  198. ^ "Democrats Announce Highlights from Opening Night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention: Uniting America". 2020 Democratic National Convention. August 17, 2020. Archived from the original on August 17, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  199. ^ Sweet, Lynn (December 13, 2020). "Illinois Electoral College members, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot, vote Monday in Springfield for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  200. ^ "Illinois Electoral College Members Formally Cast Ballots for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris". NBC Chicago. December 14, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  201. ^ "Lori Lightfoot: A Potential Mayor Out of a Logan Square Resident". LoganSquarist. August 27, 2018. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  202. ^ "Lori Lightfoot plans to tap LGBT voting bloc to make history and reach City Hall". Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  203. ^ Neveau, James (April 5, 2019). "Mayor-Elect Lori Lightfoot to Throw Out First Pitch at Sox, Cubs Home Openers". NBC Chicago. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  204. ^ "Home – Chicago Sky". Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  205. ^ "Lori Lightfoot". IMDb. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  206. ^ a b "Lori E. Lightfoot". Massillon Washington High School Alumni Association. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  207. ^ McClelland, Edward (November 1, 2019). "Lightfoot Was Never a Progressive". Chicago Magazine. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  208. ^ Baker, Lauren (June 30, 2019). "Openly gay Chicago mayor leads city's Pride Parade with wife". WREX. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  209. ^ "Queerty Pride50 2020 Honorees". Queerty. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  210. ^ "9 queer political figures creating a more perfect union this election year". Queerty. July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  211. ^ "Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from National Minority Quality Forum". The National Minority Quality Forum. October 2, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  212. ^ "TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE FEBRUARY 26, 2019 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL OF THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO" (PDF). Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  213. ^ "2019 Municipal Runoffs – 4/2/19". Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  214. ^ "Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the Municipal Runoff Election Held in Each of the Precincts in all the Wards in the City of Chicago and for the Supplementary Alderperson Elections Held in Each of the Precincts in Wards 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 21, 24, 29, 30, 36, 43, 45, 46, and 48 in the City of Chicago on April 4, 2023" (PDF). Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Chicago
2019–2023
Succeeded by
  NODES
admin 10
Association 3
COMMUNITY 5
Idea 2
idea 2
INTERN 4
Note 6
Project 4
twitter 5