Block Club Chicago
Lori Lightfoot supporters gather at the Hilton as polls close on Tuesday, April 2. Brittany Sowacke/Block Club Chicago

City Hall Not Just Getting A New Mayor — There Could Be 14 New Aldermen, Too

The post-Rahm Emanuel era will features lots of new faces.

Downtown Primary category in which blog post is published
Kelly Bauer

kelly@blockclubchi.org

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DOWNTOWN — Tuesday proved to be a historic night as Chicago elected its first black, openly gay mayor in Lori Lightfoot.

Lightfoot, who trounced Toni Preckwinkle and won all 50 wards, said her victory signaled a “mandate for change.”

But it’s all of City Council that could be seeing big changes as three alderman, including longtime incumbent Pat O’Connor (40th), were voted out while three races were too close to call.

The races that are too close to call: Deb Mell (33rd), Leslie Hairston (5th) and James Cappleman (46th).

The aldermen who got voted out: Toni Foulkes (16th), Pat O’Connor (40th) and Milly Santiago (31st).

Combined with the three incumbents who lost in February, and four candidates that captured seats in wards where the incumbent didn’t run, and that means the City Council could have up to 14 new faces among the 50 members.

Here’s a recap of the biggest stories of the night:

First black woman mayor elected in landslide

Lori Lightfoot isn’t just Chicago’s first black woman mayor — she’s also the only openly lesbian black mayor in the United States.

“Every child out there should know this: Each of you, one day, can be the mayor of Chicago. Want to know why? Just look right here,” Lightfoot said while poking her chest during a victory speech Tuesday night.

Read more.

O’Connor ousted by 40th Ward challenger

Ald. Pat O’Connor, who has served as Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s City Council floor leader, lost to challenger Andre Vasquez.

Read more.

33rd Ward too close to call

The race between Ald. Deb Mell and challenger Rossana Rodriguez was too close to call, but it’s possible the alderwoman could be unseated in an upset.

Read more.

Coleman gets commanding victory in 16th Ward

Challenger Stephanie Coleman beat incumbent Ald. Toni Foulkes with more than two-thirds of the vote.

Read more.

Reboyras survives in narrow 30th Ward win

Ald. Ariel Reboyras appeared to hold onto his seat with a narrow lead over challenger Jessica Gutierrez.

Read more.

Cappleman behind challenger in close 46th Ward race

The 46th Ward race was so close even incumbent Ald. James Cappleman was calling it a “nail-biter” and too close to call.

Read more.

Pilsen, Little Village, West Loop Primary category in which blog post is published

Hundreds Watch Stations Of The Cross In Pilsen As Via Crucis Good Friday Tradition ‘Brings People Together’

To celebrate Good Friday, hundreds of Catholics walked along 18th Street for the annual reenactment of the living stations of the cross in Pilsen.

Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Avondale Primary category in which blog post is published

Family Of Divvy Bike Rider Killed In 2016 Awarded $5.25 Million, Was Nation’s First Bike Share Death

Ginny Murray, 25, died at the intersection of Belmont and Sacramento avenues in 2016.

Wicker Park, Bucktown, West Town Primary category in which blog post is published

Happy Village Officially Sells For $1.5 Million — But Dive Bar’s Renovation On Hold ‘For One Last Summer’

"We're going to run it as-is for the next six months," said Andrew Miller, one of the bar's new owners. "We're cognizant of the connection people have with this place."