Race for City Mayor

The mayor of Chicago is the most powerful elected position in Chicago government, tasked with managing the city's annual budget; appointment of the leadership of sister agencies like the Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Transit Authority; department commissioners or directors including of the Chicago Police Department, the Department of Planning and Development; and over 100 boards and commissions. The mayor presides over the City Council of Chicago but is not a voting member. Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2018 announcement that he would not run for re-election created one of the most unique and open electoral cycles in Chicago’s history free from an anointed successor.

Lori Lightfoot, the former head of the Chicago Police Board and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle advanced from the run off and will face off on April 2.