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.
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.
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.
Coleman gets commanding victory in 16th Ward
Challenger Stephanie Coleman beat incumbent Ald. Toni Foulkes with more than two-thirds of the vote.
Reboyras survives in narrow 30th Ward win
Ald. Ariel Reboyras appeared to hold onto his seat with a narrow lead over challenger Jessica Gutierrez.
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.
