Former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot won Chicago’s mayoral race Tuesday and will replace outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Lightfoot, 56, defeated Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.
Preckwinkle previously served on the City Council for 19 years before her board position and also serves as the chairwoman for Cook County’s Democratic Party, according to Fox News. Lightfoot had never been elected to public office before her win.
Lightfoot’s victory makes her the city’s first black woman and openly gay mayor, WaPo reported. (RELATED: Rahm Emanuel Blames Trump For Alleged Smollett Crime)
“Together we can and will make Chicago a place where your zip code doesn’t determine your destiny,” Lightfoot said in her victory speech. “We can and we will break this city’s endless cycle of corruption and never again — never ever — allow politicians to profit from elected positions.”
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks during the North American Climate Summit in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., December 5, 2017. REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski
Emanuel announced in September 2018 he would not be seeking a third term as mayor after serving in the position since 2011, CNN reported.
Some of the issues Lightfoot will have to deal with include violence, police reform and financial issues that plague the city. Chicago is expected to be in a $250 million deficit in 2020 and Lightfoot will only have a limited time to prepare the new budget.
Lightfoot is set to be sworn in May 20.
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