Current Standing on Mayor Lightfoot’s Term
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been Chicago’s mayor since 2019. That is three full years of being the mayor of Chicago. There are many Chicagoans that ask the question, has she lived up to her promises? Has she been able to follow through with what she said she would do before she became mayor? There are many Chicagoans that say that she has certainly lived up to her expectations for mayor and that she may have even exceeded them. However, there are many Chicagoans, and even some aldermen, that say she has not lived up to those expectations whatsoever.
“I view her as not having fulfilled those campaign promises, because she hasn’t,” mentioned Chicago’s 1st Ward alderman Daniel La Spata.
Although there are some Chicagoans that have made their disappointment with Mayor Lightfoot widespread, there are some people that agree she has fulfilled her expectations.
Who are the Candidates up for Re-Election?
Re-Election is on the way, and it is arriving very quickly. There are nine candidates that are running for election, with current mayor Lori Lightfoot running for re-election. The nine candidates running for election are:
- Ja’Mal Green.
- Ald. Sophia King.
- State Rep. Kam Buckner.
- Dr. Willie Wilson.
- Brandon Johnson. Paul Vallas.
- Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
- Ald. Roderick Sawyer.
- Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy” Garcia.
As Election day gets closer, keeping each of these candidates in mind is something all citizens of Chicago should do. Keeping them in mind, and keeping in mind what Chicagoans want for their city, will make it easier to make a decision come election day.
What About Lori Lightfoot? Does She Have A Shot at Re-Election?
Many agree that Lightfoot’s Re-election bid may not be as promising as, for example, Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia’s.
Jesus Garcia and Paul Vallas gave their opinions on Lori Lightfoot. “The two challengers have hammered Lightfoot over the city’s worsening crime problems under her leadership,” according to the Daily Caller. Crime has certainly been an important issue that seems to have no end.
Even many Chicagoans agree that Lori has not done the best job to combat crime, as it continues to soar especially in low-income neighborhoods across Chicago. Chicagoans want a mayor that will make crime a high priority and will keep their word throughout their term.
Many voters are also saying that she just has not lived up to her expectations of mayor. “With the election less than three weeks away, three out of five voters disapprove of the job the mayor has done in her first term, more than half hold an unfavorable opinion of her, and 71% think the city is on the wrong track,” according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Clearly, there are many that say we need a change, and that change may take place with having a new mayor. Having someone new would most likely be the best option right now, as mentioned in the quote, 3/4 think Chicago is not on the right path.
Taking a look at the way the election may possibly turn out for the three candidates that are the most talked about, which are Jesus Garcia, Lori Lightfoot, and Paul Vallas, for Lori it does not seem so promising. “Of the 625 likely mayoral election voters who were surveyed by phone, Garcia received 20% support from respondents, followed by Vallas with 18%, and Lightfoot with 17%,” added Fox News. As shown, Lightfoot has received the least amount of support from these voters. This could potentially turn her down for re-election.
The Future of Chicago With or Without a New Mayor
Chicagoans want peace. Chicagoans want a mayor who will keep their word throughout the duration of their term. If that means Chicago will be having a new mayor, then that may have to be the case. Chicagoans hope for a better city, one where the crime rates decrease drastically.
Chicagoans want a city that is safe for their children. As of right now, it seems that we are not heading in that direction, and a change of mayor may need to take place. As the election slowly approaches, continuing to look at the candidates is critical to Chicago’s future success.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
Fox News: Lightfoot’s re-election bid in jeopards as Chicago mayoral challengers see surge in support: poll
Chicago Sun-Times: POLL: Bleak number spell trouble for Mayor Lightfoot’s reelection bid
Daily Caller: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Could Lose Reelection Bid, Poll Shows
The Guardian: ‘She doesn’t want the drama’: anger as Chicago mayor comes up short on police reform
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of risingthermals Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of AFGE’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
