CHATHAM — Longtime Ald. Roderick Sawyer declared victory in the 6th Ward race Tuesday night.
With 98 percent of precincts reporting, Sawyer had 53.5 percent of the vote to opponent Deborah Foster-Bonner’s 46.5 percent, according to the Chicago Election Board.
“I’m happy to still have the opportunity to serve the 6th Ward,” Sawyer said Tuesday night.
Foster-Bonner hadn’t called to congratulate Sawyer as of 10 p.m.
Sawyer, the son of late Mayor Eugene Sawyer, took office in 2011 after defeating incumbent Freddrenna Lyle.
Sawyer thanks his supporters and his wife for helping him get another four years. @BlockClubCHI pic.twitter.com/OuhoxCc3Rk
— Jamie Nesbitt Golden (@thewayoftheid) April 3, 2019
During Sawyer’s campaign, he touted $100 million in capital improvements in the ward, including renovations of the Whitney Young library and Robeson High School, the passing of his privatization ordinance meant to prevent another parking meter deal, a recovering housing market east of the Dan Ryan and resilient neighborhood public schools.
“A huge thank you to the voters of 6th Ward for their support, their time, and all the people who put energy into this campaign,” Sawyer said in a statement. “I commend Ms. Foster-Bonner for running such a strong race. I thank her for her energy and determination in service of our community.”
Foster-Bonner, an accountant and block club president, pointed to slow economic progress, crumbling infrastructure, bad policing, unaddressed food deserts and an inaccessible alderman are among her main reasons for running. The longtime community activist was endorsed by both the Sun-Times and the Tribune.
Sawyer was first elected to his father’s seat in 2011.
The 6th Ward includes Chatham, Englewood and West Englewood.
