Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot battles for survival in tough reelection bid

As voters head to the polls on Tuesday to elect the Windy City's next mayor and slate of city councilmembers, Chicago Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot battles to keep her job as eight other candidates vie to lead the city.

Lightfoot assumed office in 2019 and has long faced scrutiny for her handling of crime in the city. That issue has become a focal point in the mayoral contest with many of her detractors seizing on her record.

Elections in Chicago are officially nonpartisan, though candidates generally have affiliations with one of the major parties. The city's last Republican mayor left office in 1931 and Democrats have overwhelmingly dominated the Windy City's political landscape since then.

Among the major figures challenging Lightfoot are Rep. Jesus Garcia, D-Ill., former Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Paul Vallas, and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson.

Also running are Kambium Buckner, Ja'Mal Green, Sophia King, Roderick Sawyer, and Willie Wilson, Ballotpedia states.

Should no candidate receive more than 50% of the vote on Tuesday, the race will proceed to a runoff to be held on April 4.

Recent polling suggests Lightfoot may struggle to advance to a highly likely second round and several surveys show Vallas or Garcia taking the lead, with Lightfoot often taking second or third place.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.