Posted originally on the CTH on February 28, 2023 | Sundance

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has conceded defeat after coming in third place in the election.  Lightfoot makes history as the first Chicago mayor in 40-years to lose her first effort at reelection.

(CHICAGO) — Mayor Lori Lightfoot conceded defeat Tuesday night, ending her efforts for a second term and setting the stage for Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson to run against former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas for Chicago mayor.

A visibly shaken Lightfoot conceded the race just before 9 p.m. and said she will be “rooting and praying for our next mayor to deliver for the people of the city for years to come.” – WATCH:

“Obviously, we didn’t win the election today, but I stand here with my head held high and a heart full of gratitude,” Lightfoot said, highlighting how the city emerged from a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and made “real progress on public safety.”

The Associated Press just before 9 p.m. called the race for Johnson, who in addition to defeating Lightfoot also outmuscled U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.

Johnson’s victory sets up an ideological battle with Vallas over the future path of the nation’s third-largest city. The two will face off in five weeks on April 4. (more)