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Mayoral election in Chicago, Illinois (February 28, 2023, general election)

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← 2019
2023 Chicago elections
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Election dates
Filing deadline: November 28, 2022
General election: February 28, 2023
Runoff election: April 4, 2023
Election stats
Offices up: Mayor
Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections)
Election type: Nonpartisan
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2023

On February 28, 2023, Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas advanced to an April 4 runoff election for mayor of Chicago, Illinois, as neither received more than 50 percent of the vote. They were the top-two vote-getters among the field of nine candidates, with Vallas receiving 33.8 percent and Johnson receiving 20.3 percent. Click here for coverage of the April 4 runoff election.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, first elected in 2019, finished third with 17.1 percent of the vote. Between 2016 and 2022, there were 22 incumbents defeated in mayoral elections in the 100 largest U.S. cities. Of those 22 mayors, five were defeated in primary elections. U.S. Rep. Jesus Garcia (D) finished fourth with 13.7 percent of the vote.

Lightfoot, Garcia, Johnson, and Vallas led in polling and fundraising. The other candidates were Kambium Buckner, Ja'Mal Green, Sophia King, Roderick Sawyer, and Willie Wilson. To view a full list of candidate endorsements in this race, click here. To view the most recent polling in the race, click here.

Vallas was the 2014 Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor. In the 2019 election, Vallas finished ninth in the general election for mayor with 5.4% of the vote. He worked as chief administrative officer at Chicago State University and was the CEO of Chicago Public Schools. When he announced his campaign, Vallas said, "Chicago is ready for a leader to guide them with more than poll-tested rhetoric and empty promises; one with specific plans, and the know-how to execute those plans." His key issues were public safety, decreased public school enrollment, and the city budget as key issues.[1]

Johnson was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners as a Democrat in 2018. He was a teacher with Chicago Public Schools and an organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Johnson highlighted his experience, saying he was "the only candidate who has been a leader in our communities in the fights for fully funded public schools, affordable housing, green jobs and access to mental health care."[2]

Lightfoot was elected mayor in 2019. In the April 2, 2019, runoff, she defeated Toni Preckwinkle 74% to 26%. Lightfoot won 17.5% of the vote in a 14-candidate field in the 2019 general election. Lightfoot campaigned on her record, saying she "led the city through the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic with tough, fair leadership — all while keeping or overdelivering on campaign promises."[3] Lightfoot is affiliated with the Democratic Party.

At the time of the general election, Garcia was a Democratic member of the U.S. House representing Illinois' 4th Congressional District. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Illinois Senate, and the Chicago City Council. Garcia said his experience would help him as mayor. "Mark my words: my values and my commitment to build a better, more inclusive Chicago has never wavered. I’m the only candidate in the race with the experience of serving the city at every level of government," he said.[4]

Although elections are officially nonpartisan, candidates are typically affiliated with one of the major political parties. Among the candidates, there were eight affiliated with the Democratic Party and one independent. The last Republican mayor of Chicago, William Thompson, left office in 1931. To learn about the partisan affiliation of each candidate, click here.

Chicago adopted the system of nonpartisan general elections with a potential runoff beginning with the 1999 mayoral elections. In the six elections between 1999 and 2019, a runoff election occurred twice (2015 and 2019). A candidate won the other four general elections outright (1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011).

Election news

This section includes a timeline of events leading up to the election.

  • February 28, 2023: Johnson and Vallas advanced to the runoff election.
  • February 27, 2023:
    • U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) endorsed Garcia.
    • 1938 Labs released a poll showing Vallas with 24% support, Lightfoot with 18%, Garcia with 16%, Johnson with 15%, and Wilson with 12%. The margin of error was ± 2.6.

Candidates and results

General runoff election

General runoff election for Mayor of Chicago

Brandon Johnson defeated Paul Vallas in the general runoff election for Mayor of Chicago on April 4, 2023.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Brandon Johnson
Brandon Johnson (Nonpartisan)
 
52.2
 
319,481
Image of Paul Vallas
Paul Vallas (Nonpartisan)
 
47.8
 
293,033

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 612,514
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

General election

General election for Mayor of Chicago

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Chicago on February 28, 2023.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Paul Vallas
Paul Vallas (Nonpartisan)
 
32.9
 
185,743
✔
Image of Brandon Johnson
Brandon Johnson (Nonpartisan)
 
21.6
 
122,093
Image of Lori Lightfoot
Lori Lightfoot (Nonpartisan)
 
16.8
 
94,890
Image of Jesus Garcia
Jesus Garcia (Nonpartisan)
 
13.7
 
77,222
Image of Willie Wilson
Willie Wilson (Nonpartisan)
 
9.1
 
51,567
Image of Ja'Mal Green
Ja'Mal Green (Nonpartisan)
 
2.2
 
12,257
Image of Kambium Buckner
Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
2.0
 
11,092
Image of Sophia King
Sophia King (Nonpartisan)
 
1.3
 
7,191
Image of Roderick Sawyer
Roderick Sawyer (Nonpartisan)
 
0.4
 
2,440
Image of Johnny Logalbo
Johnny Logalbo (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
15
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Keith Judge (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
5
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Stephen Hodge (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
4
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Ryan Friedman (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
3
Image of Stephanie Ann Mustari
Stephanie Ann Mustari (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
1
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Bridgett Palmer (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
1

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 564,524
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Candidate comparison

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Lori Lightfoot

Image of Lori Lightfoot

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

  • Mayor of Chicago (Assumed office: 2019)

Biography:  Lightfoot received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. Lightfoot worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and as a senior partner with Mayer Brow.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Lightfoot ran on her record. She said she "led the city through the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic with tough, fair leadership — all while keeping or overdelivering on campaign promises."

Lightfoot's campaign website listed public safety as a top priority. It said, "there is no higher calling than restoring safety and peace in our neighborhoods. To reduce a historic nationwide spike in violent crime, we need short-term and long-term solutions.

Lightfoot's campaign website said she was "committed to attracting new businesses—large and small—and creating an environment that supports and sustains entrepreneurs and workers who make Chicago their home."

Show sources

Sources: Lori Lightfoot's 2022 campaign website, "A Safer Chicago," accessed December 7, 2022 ; Lori Lightfoot's 2022 campaign website, "Economic Development," accessed December 7, 2022; Lori Lightfoot's 2023 campaign website, "About Lori Lightfoot," accessed December 7, 2022

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Chicago in 2023.

Kambium Buckner

Image of Kambium Buckner

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Kam Buckner is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 26th district. The district, located entirely in the city of Chicago, includes Bronzeville, Downtown, Gold Coast, Hyde Park, River North, South Shore, and Woodlawn. It includes many important Chicago landmarks, including Navy Pier, Soldier Field, the Museum Campus, the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago home of Barack and Michelle Obama. Buckner is the Chair of the Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus and Co-Democratic Whip. He is a native Chicagoan who is the son of a law enforcement officer and a Chicago Public School teacher. He holds a BA from the University of Illinois, where he was also a scholarship football player and a JD from Depaul University College of Law. He spent a number of years on the staff of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans. He also led Government Affairs for Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs and ran the Youth Based Sports Development Organization World Sport Chicago. He formerly taught Public Policy at the University of Chicago. and served on the Board of Trustees of Chicago State University from 2016 through 2018. He is married to the former Bernardette Salgado and they have one son, Kastillo."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

FROM CHICAGO. FOR CHICAGO. I am running for Mayor because we cannot wait a day longer for a safe and just Chicago for all of us. Now is the time to invest in Chicago’s schools and their future, to give our children more pathways to success. I grew up on Chicago’s South Side. My dad was a law enforcement officer and my mom was a public school teacher. They were both role models for children in our neighborhood. My parents taught me the values of safety, justice, and education. They taught me the highest calling is serving others: keeping your community safe and enriching your community’s knowledge. We need a Mayor who can bring people together to get things done. I will be that mayor for Chicago.

At the heart of public safety is access to safe, reliable public transportation. The current administration has not prioritized investing in infrastructure, making our streets safer, or maintaining CTA service levels, and the community has suffered. Ghost buses run rampant, security is lacking, schedules are inconsistent; these issues lead to a myriad of other problems. Over 25% of Chicago households don’t have cars, and it’s time we invest in the public transit and road infrastructure we need to support our city. As State Representative, I lead the charge to get 20 percent of the state’s motor fuel tax increase dedicated to transit, 90 percent of which comes to Chicago. No one has successfully gotten that much funding for transit in ye

Environmental justice and sustainability is an existential issue that needs a dedicated plan, innovative thinking, and bold solutions to tackle. That commitment needs to begin in the Mayor’s office with real leadership, and extend to City Council and Departments across the city to create a solution that is comprehensive, thorough, and effective. As Mayor, I am committed to bringing together the team and the solutions Chicago needs to begin tackling climate change head-on. I have a proven track record fighting for the kinds of solutions that can make a difference on climate change. I founded the Lake Shore Caucus to address erosion issues on Lake Michigan and create solutions across our state. I was a co-sponsor on the Climate and Equitabl

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Chicago in 2023.

Jesus Garcia

Image of Jesus Garcia

YouTube

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Biography:  Garcia received a B.S. and an M.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He worked as the founding executive director of Enlace Chicago, the founding chair of the board for the Latino Policy Forum, and a board member for the Woods Fund Chicago and The Center on Leadership Innovation.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

When Garcia announced his campaign, he said, "Chicago needs a leader with the vision of our future and the know-how and the empathy to get us there together. From crime to unemployment, to affordable housing, there is so much we need to build."

Garcia highlighted his experience on both the city council and board of commissioners. "Mark my words: my values and my commitment to build a better, more inclusive Chicago has never waivered. I’m the only candidate in the race with the experience of serving the city at every level of government," he said.

Garcia criticized Lightfoot's relationship with the city council. He said, "She created all this public infighting and fights with the Chicago City Council that were on full exhibit. People are tired of that. They want something different."

Show sources

Sources: Politico, "Rep. 'Chuy' Garcia runs for Chicago mayor again," November 10, 2022 ; ABC 7 Chicago, "Chicago mayor election 2023: Congressman Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia says city 'needs new leadership,'" November 13, 2022 ; WBEZ, "Chuy García begins new bid for Chicago mayor by citing his work with Harold Washington," November 10, 2022; Chicago Sun-Times, "4th Congressional District Democratic candidate: Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia," February 13, 2018

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Chicago in 2023.

Brandon Johnson

Image of Brandon Johnson

FacebookTwitterYouTube

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Biography:  Johnson received a B.A. and an M.A. from Aurora University. Johnson worked as a teacher with Chicago Public Schools and as an organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Johnson highlighted his experience in education and with the teachers union. He said he was "the only candidate who has been a leader in our communities in the fights for fully funded public schools, affordable housing, green jobs and access to mental health care."

On public safety, Johnson's website said, "Brandon believes we can make Chicago the safest big city in America if we make real investments in root cause solutions, such as creating an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, reopening the city’s mental health clinics and fully funding year-round youth employment and community-based violence intervention services."

Johnson said, "The most radical thing we can do as a city is to love the people of Chicago . . . The finances of this city belong to the people of the city. So, we’re gonna invest in the people of the city."

Show sources

Sources: Brandon Johnson's 2023 campaign website, "On The Issues," accessed December 7, 2022 ; Fox 23 Chicago, "'I don’t break promises': Brandon Johnson joining crowded race for Chicago mayor," October 27, 2022 ; Chicago Sun-Times, "Lightfoot is out, Vallas and Johnson are in — the April runoff," March 1, 2023; Brandon Johnson's 2023 campaign website, "About," accessed December 7, 2022

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Chicago in 2023.

Paul Vallas

Image of Paul Vallas

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Vallas served as executive director of the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission; Chicago city revenue director; and Chicago city budget director. He was CEO of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001. He served as superintendent of school districts in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Bridgeport, Conn., from 2002 to 2014. Before running for mayor, he worked as chief administrative officer at Chicago State University.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Vallas focused on public safety. He said, "Public safety is the fundamental right of every American. It is a civil right, and it is the principle responsibility of government. We will have a safe Chicago. We will make Chicago the safest city in America."

Vallas also highlighted public education and waste in the city budget as key issues. He said, "The city is suffering for it with . . . the free-fall that is our public schools that people are finding any way to exit . . . [and] this tax-and-waste cycle that constitutes [Lightfoot's] budget process.”

Vallas emphasized his experience in the city and with Chicago Public Schools as things that would make him a successful mayor. "The city cannot afford to turn this $28 billion enterprise over to an individual who doesn’t have a vision and doesn’t have the management skills or experience to do what needs to be done to address these critical issues that I’ve identified," he said.

Show sources

Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, "Calling Chicago a ‘city in crisis,’ Vallas reprises campaign for mayor," June 1, 2022 ; Chicago Sun-Times, "Lightfoot is out, Vallas and Johnson are in — the April runoff," March 1, 2023; Chicago Tribune, "Who is Paul Vallas?" January 26, 2019

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Chicago in 2023.

Stephanie Ann Mustari

Image of Stephanie Ann Mustari

Website

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Please visit my website to learn more: https://www.mufasaaa.com/"

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Reduce violent crime, help struggling neighborhoods & make Chicago safer for everyone.

Help reduce burdens for Chicago citizens & families adversely impacted by any pandemic related illness.

Turn our tax dollars into a real investment for the people & improve the local economy.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Chicago in 2023.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

FROM CHICAGO. FOR CHICAGO. I am running for Mayor because we cannot wait a day longer for a safe and just Chicago for all of us. Now is the time to invest in Chicago’s schools and their future, to give our children more pathways to success. I grew up on Chicago’s South Side. My dad was a law enforcement officer and my mom was a public school teacher. They were both role models for children in our neighborhood. My parents taught me the values of safety, justice, and education. They taught me the highest calling is serving others: keeping your community safe and enriching your community’s knowledge. We need a Mayor who can bring people together to get things done. I will be that mayor for Chicago.

At the heart of public safety is access to safe, reliable public transportation. The current administration has not prioritized investing in infrastructure, making our streets safer, or maintaining CTA service levels, and the community has suffered. Ghost buses run rampant, security is lacking, schedules are inconsistent; these issues lead to a myriad of other problems. Over 25% of Chicago households don’t have cars, and it’s time we invest in the public transit and road infrastructure we need to support our city. As State Representative, I lead the charge to get 20 percent of the state’s motor fuel tax increase dedicated to transit, 90 percent of which comes to Chicago. No one has successfully gotten that much funding for transit in ye

Environmental justice and sustainability is an existential issue that needs a dedicated plan, innovative thinking, and bold solutions to tackle. That commitment needs to begin in the Mayor’s office with real leadership, and extend to City Council and Departments across the city to create a solution that is comprehensive, thorough, and effective. As Mayor, I am committed to bringing together the team and the solutions Chicago needs to begin tackling climate change head-on. I have a proven track record fighting for the kinds of solutions that can make a difference on climate change. I founded the Lake Shore Caucus to address erosion issues on Lake Michigan and create solutions across our state. I was a co-sponsor on the Climate and Equitabl
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/StephanieAnnMustari.jpg

Stephanie Ann Mustari (Nonpartisan)

Reduce violent crime, help struggling neighborhoods & make Chicago safer for everyone.

Help reduce burdens for Chicago citizens & families adversely impacted by any pandemic related illness.

Turn our tax dollars into a real investment for the people & improve the local economy.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

Public Safety, Education, Transportation, Economic Development and Housing.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/StephanieAnnMustari.jpg

Stephanie Ann Mustari (Nonpartisan)

Please visit my website to learn more: https://www.mufasaaa.com/mayor
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/StephanieAnnMustari.jpg

Stephanie Ann Mustari (Nonpartisan)

Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr., and Kobe Bryant.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/StephanieAnnMustari.jpg

Stephanie Ann Mustari (Nonpartisan)

The first major historical event that I vividly recall was September 11th 2001 - I was 16 years old.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

Starting at 3 years old I woke up at 4:30 am every weekday morning with my father to help him with his part-time job, delivering the early edition of the Chicago Sunt-Times on the Southside of Chicago. I continued working with him until I was about 9 years old when he started a new part-time job as a gas station attendant. I also accompanied him to that job and would work the morning hours with him before going to school.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/StephanieAnnMustari.jpg

Stephanie Ann Mustari (Nonpartisan)

Khaleesi, Mother of Dragons.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

It means that a Mayor's job is to find a way to YES instead of getting stuck at NO. A Mayor's job is to bring people together and find solutions. A Mayor's job is in many ways operational, aspirational and inspirational. A Mayor should be able to deal with the past and the present while building the future.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

Public Safety. But Public Safety isn't just law enforcement. Public Safety is better schools, safer streets and more opportunities.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

Chicago is the greatest city in America… and it’s going through a horrifying pandemic of violence.

Crime, and homicides in particular, is the worst it’s been since 1996. In 2021 a staggering 797 people were murdered, and shootings have gone up 53% since 2018. Carjackings–happening in neighborhoods across the city–have increased over 200% from 2019. I’m running for Mayor to make Chicago safe. We need a plan, and we need a Mayor who can collaborate to get it done. Pulling up drawbridges is not the answer. We need to build bridges to all 77 of Chicago’s neighborhoods. In the pages that follow, you’ll read my plan to bring a balanced approach to safety and justice that tackles crime now, but also addresses the root causes of crime. I’m the son of a law enforcement officer and a teacher. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when folks like my parents serve as protectors and role models for our community. I learned from both of them that I wanted to help my community and fight for both justice and safety. As a Black kid from the South Side, I also know what it’s like to lay face down on a wet pavement, handcuffed, because a police officer said I “fit a description.” I also know what it feels like to lose family members to gun violence in this city and to have dedicated detectives working day and night to bring our family justice. We must do a better job of making our citizens feel seen, heard and safe. I’ve been fighting for my neighbors in Springfield for the past four years. I’ve been a leader in passing reforms to keep untraceable ‘ghost guns’ off our streets and enhance police training, all while working together to improve the criminal justice system. I know what it takes to do this work and get these changes across the finish line. Chicago will be the national gold standard for both constitutional, community-based policing and robust community investment. My plan will strengthen the existing public safety and justice

structures in place, foster c
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

There has to be syncopation and symbiosis. The CIty Council does not work for the Mayor, they work with the Mayor.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

Her people. Chicagoans are the greatest people are the greatest on this planet. We are resilient, strong, kind, courageous, and principled.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

City and State government have to work hand in glove. When Springfield and Chicago have symbiosis, the people of Chicago win. I am the only candidate in this race who can guarantee that type of relationship on day one.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Kam_Buckner2023.jpg

Kambium Buckner (Nonpartisan)

City and Federal government have to work hand in glove. When Washington and Chicago have symbiosis, the people of Chicago win. I am the only candidate in this race who can guarantee that type of relationship on day one.



Campaign advertisements

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.


Lori Lightfoot

February 20, 2023
February 13, 2023
February 6, 2023

View more ads here:


Kambium Buckner

May 12, 2022

View more ads here:


Jesus Garcia

February 21, 2023
February 9, 2023
February 3, 2023

View more ads here:


Ja'Mal Green

February 3, 2023
June 15, 2022

View more ads here:


Brandon Johnson

February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023

View more ads here:


Sophia King

February 7, 2023
September 22, 2022
August 10, 2022

View more ads here:


Roderick Sawyer

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Roderick Sawyer while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

View more ads here:


Paul Vallas

February 13, 2023
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023

View more ads here:


Willie Wilson

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Willie Wilson while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

View more ads here:


Debates and forums

This section includes links to debates, forums, and other similar events where multiple candidates in this race participated. If you are aware of any debates or forums that should be included, please email us.

February 13 forum

All nine candidates participated in a forum sponsored by NBC 5 and moderated by NBC anchor Marion Brooks and WVON's Matt McGill.[10]

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

February 7 forum

Eight candidates participated in a forum sponsored by WTTW.[11] Garcia, who was in Washington, D.C., for the State of the Union address, did not participate.[12] To view a full vide of the event, click here.

January 31 forum

All nine candidates participated in a forum at Steinmetz College Prep sponsored by WGN-TV Channel 9 and moderated by WGN anchor Lourdes Duarte and political reporter Tahman Bradley.[13]

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

January 26 forum

All nine candidates participated in a forum sponsored by WCPT 820AM.[14] To listen to a recording of the forum, click here. Videos of both panels from the forum are embedded below:

Panel 1
Panel 2

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

January 19 debate

All nine candidates participated in a debate sponsored by ABC 7, the League of Women Voters, and Univision Chicago. ABC 7 anchor Judy Hsu moderated the debate, and political reporter Craig Wall and Univision Chicago anchor Enrique Rodriguez asked questions.[15] A video of the debate is embedded below:

January 19 debate

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

January 16 candidate forum

Sawyer and Wilson participated in a forum hosted by the Southwest Side GOP Club.[16]

Click on the link below for a summary of the event:

January 15 candidate forum

All nine candidates participated in a forum moderated by WGN’s Ben Bradley.[17]

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

January 14 candidate forum

Eight candidates participated in a forum hosted by Chicago Women Take Action. The candidates who participated were Lightfoot, Garcia, Green, Johnson, King, Sawyer, Vallas, and Wilson. Bucker did not attend due to a personal emergency.[18]

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

January 7 candidate forum

Seven candidates participated in a forum hosted by Access Living of Chicago, a disability and support organization. The candidates who participated were Lightfoot, Bucker, Garcia, Green, Johnson, King, and Vallas.[19] A video of the forum is embedded below:

January 7, 2023

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

December 13 candidate forum

Eight candidates participated in a forum at the Copernicus Center hosted by the Northwest Side Democrats. The candidates who participated were Buckner, Green, Johnson, King, Logalbo, Sawyer, Vallas, and Wilson.[20]

Click on the links below for summaries of the event:

Election competitiveness

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
Chicago mayoral election, 2023: General election polls
Poll Date Lightfoot Buckner Garcia Green Johnson King Sawyer Vallas Wilson Undecided/Other Margin of error Sample size[21] Sponsor[22]
1938 Labs February 22-25, 2023 18% 3% 16% 5% 15% 6% 1% 24% 12% 1%[23] ± 2.6 1,458 LV N/A
Victory Research February 12-15, 2023 17% 1% 14% 1% 16% 4% 1% 23% 12% 13% ± 3.5 806 LV N/A
1938 Labs February 9-13, 2023 15% 5% 10% 7% 7% 5% 1% 13% 12% 22% ± 3.1 988 LV N/A
BSP Research February 5-10, 2023 13% 4% 15% 5% 6% 4% 3% 18% 11% 22% ± 3.8 643 LV Northwestern University
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, Inc. January 31-February 3, 2023 17% 1% 20% 2% 11% 1% 0% 18% 12% 18% ± 4.0 625 RV N/A


Noteworthy endorsements

Click the links below to see endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites, if available. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.

This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.


Noteworthy endorsements
Endorser Nonpartisan Lori Lightfoot Nonpartisan Kambium Buckner Nonpartisan Jesus Garcia Nonpartisan Ja'Mal Green Nonpartisan Brandon Johnson Nonpartisan Sophia King Nonpartisan Paul Vallas Nonpartisan Willie Wilson
Government officials
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D)  source ✔              
Senator Bernie Sanders  source         ✔      
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D)  source     ✔          
U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D)  source ✔              
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D)  source         ✔      
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D)  source     ✔          
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D)  source ✔              
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D)  source     ✔          
U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D)  source         ✔      
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D)  source ✔              
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D)  source     ✔          
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D)  source ✔              
State Sen. Omar Aquino (D)  source         ✔      
State Sen. Cristina Castro (D)  source     ✔          
State Sen. Javier Loera Cervantes (D)  source     ✔          
State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D)  source ✔              
State Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D)  source         ✔      
State Sen. Robert Peters (D)  source         ✔      
State Sen. Willie Preston (D)  source ✔              
State Sen. Celina Villanueva (D)  source     ✔          
State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D)  source     ✔          
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D)  source ✔              
State Rep. Lakesia Collins (D)  source         ✔      
State Rep. Margaret Croke (D)  source   ✔            
State Rep. Mary E. Flowers (D)  source         ✔      
State. Rep. Robyn Gabel (D)  source     ✔          
State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. (D)  source     ✔          
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D)  source   ✔            
State Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D)  source   ✔            
State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D)  source         ✔      
State Rep. Norma Hernandez (D)  source     ✔          
State Rep. Lilian Jiménez (D)  source         ✔      
State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly (D)  source ✔              
State Rep. Theresa Mah (D)  source     ✔          
State Rep. Natalie Manley (D)  source   ✔            
State Rep. Aaron Ortiz (D)  source     ✔          
State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D)  source     ✔          
State Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback (D)  source   ✔            
Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya (D)  source     ✔          
Ald. Walter Burnett  source ✔              
Ald. James Cappleman  source ✔              
Frmr. Ald. George Cardenas (D)  source ✔              
Ald. Felix Cardona Jr.  source     ✔          
Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin (D)  source ✔              
Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer (D)  source ✔              
Ald. Pat Dowell  source         ✔      
Ald. Jason Ervin  source ✔              
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (D)  source     ✔          
Ald. Susan Garza  source     ✔          
Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon (D)  source         ✔      
Ald. Maria Hadden  source         ✔      
Ald. Michelle Harris  source ✔              
Ald. Brian Hopkins  source             ✔  
Ald. Daniel La Spata  source         ✔      
Ald. Raymond Lopez  source               ✔
Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry (D)  source         ✔      
Ald. Roberto Maldonado  source ✔              
Ald. Matt Martin  source         ✔      
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D)  source ✔              
Ald. Emma Mitts  source ✔              
Ald. David Moore  source           ✔    
Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore (D)  source         ✔      
Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita (D)  source         ✔      
Ald. Anthony Napolitano  source             ✔  
Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel Quezada  source         ✔      
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa  source         ✔      
Ald. Brendan Reilly  source             ✔  
Ald. Michael Rodriguez  source     ✔          
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez  source         ✔      
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez  source         ✔      
Ald. Chris Taliaferro  source ✔              
Ald. Jeanette Taylor  source         ✔      
Ald. Thomas Tunney  source             ✔  
Ald. André Vasquez  source     ✔          
Ald. Gilbert Villegas  source     ✔          
Ald. Scott Waguespack  source ✔              
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White (D)  source ✔              
Individuals
Frmr. U.S. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez  source     ✔          
Frmr. state Sen. Toi Hutchinson  source ✔              
Frmr. U.S. Rep. Marie Newman  source ✔              
Frmr. Gov. Pat Quinn  source     ✔          
Frmr. state Sen. Heather Steans  source ✔              
Frmr. Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner  source       ✔        
Newspapers and editorials
Gazette Chicago Editorial Board  source             ✔  
N'DIGO  source ✔              
The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board  source             ✔  
The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board  source   ✔            
Organizations
American Postal Workers Local 1  source ✔              
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes  source     ✔          
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen  source     ✔          
Chicago Entertainment Industry Labor Council  source ✔              
Chicago Fraternal Order of Police  source             ✔  
Chicago Teachers Union  source         ✔      
Cook County College Teachers Union  source         ✔      
EMILY's List  source ✔              
Equity Illinois  source ✔              
Illinois Federation of Teachers  source         ✔      
Independent Voters of Illinois — Independent Precinct Organization  source         ✔      
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees  source ✔              
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Chicago District Council  source ✔              
International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 19  source     ✔          
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Administrative District Council 1  source ✔              
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 2  source             ✔  
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150  source     ✔          
IUOE Local 399  source ✔              
Latino Victory Fund  source     ✔          
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund  source ✔              
LPAC  source ✔              
ONE People's Campaign  source         ✔      
Plumbers Union Local 130  source ✔              
Service Employees International Union Healthcare Illinois  source         ✔      
Service Employees International Union Local 73  source         ✔      
Teamsters Local 727  source     ✔          
Transportation Communications International Union  source     ✔          
United Association Local 130  source ✔              
United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 11  source ✔              
United Working Families  source         ✔      
Utility Workers Union of America Local 18007  source     ✔          
Working Families Party  source         ✔      

Election spending

Campaign finance

Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the Illinois State Board of Elections. Click here to access those reports. The chart below includes figures through Q4 2022 quarterly reports.

  • Note: WTTW reported that Wilson self-funded $5 million for his campaign. That figure is included in the total receipts above.[27]

Satellite spending

See also: Satellite spending

Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[28][29]

If available, satellite spending reports by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and OpenSecrets.org are linked below. FEC links include totals from monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports. OpenSecrets.org compiles data from those reports as well as 24- and 48-hour reports from the FEC.[30]

Details about satellite spending of significant amounts and/or reported by media are included below those links. The amounts listed may not represent the total satellite spending in the election. To notify us of additional satellite spending, email us.

Spending news

  • December 16, 2022: Politico reported that the Cook County College Teachers Fund donated $50,000 to Johnson.[31]
  • December 7, 2022: Politico reported that the carpenters’ PAC donated $150,000 to Lightfoot and the LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ PAC donated $25,000. Operating Engineers Local 150 committed $1 million to support Garcia.[32]

Mayoral partisanship

Chicago has a Democratic mayor. As of September 2025, 66 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 23 are affiliated with the Republican Party, one is affiliated with the Libertarian Party, three are independents, five identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated, and two mayors' affiliations are unknown. Click here for a list of the 100 largest cities' mayors and their partisan affiliations.

Mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan in most of the nation's largest cities. However, many officeholders are affiliated with political parties. Ballotpedia uses one or more of the following sources to identify each officeholder's partisan affiliation: (1) direct communication from the officeholder, (2) current or previous candidacy for partisan office, or (3) identification of partisan affiliation by multiple media outlets.

Candidates by party affiliation

Mayoral elections in Chicago are officially nonpartisan. Based on partisan affiliations while in another office or as a candidate in a previous campaign, along with information from local media sources, Ballotpedia has identified the party affiliations for Chicago's mayoral candidates in 2023.

Partisan affiliation of Chicago mayoral general election candidates
Candidate Party affiliation
Lori Lightfoot Electiondot.png Democratic
Kambium Buckner Electiondot.png Democratic
Jesus Garcia Electiondot.png Democratic
Ja'Mal Green Electiondot.png Democratic
Brandon Johnson Electiondot.png Democratic
Sophia King Electiondot.png Democratic
Roderick Sawyer Electiondot.png Democratic
Paul Vallas Electiondot.png Democratic
Willie Wilson Grey.png Independent

Media commentary

The section below contains quotes from media outlets related to the election.

Sara Burnett, a reporter for the Associated Press, wrote:[33]

“

Lori Lightfoot made history as the first Black woman and first openly gay person to serve as Chicago mayor, sailing to victory four years ago as an outsider who vowed to rid City Hall of corruption and deliver a safer, more equitable city.

But her bid for a second term is very much in question amid concerns about continuing high crime in the nation's third-largest city and accusations that she is overly hostile and sometimes flat-out mean — criticism she has dismissed as sexist and racist smears against a tough leader who is passionate about Chicago.[34]

”

Gregory Pratt and Alice Yin of Chicago Tribune wrote:[35]

“

Even though the political corruption that Lightfoot first railed against is far from eradicated, Cobb said, the environment that heralded Lightfoot’s election has shifted.

There was a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that brought the city to a standstill and dominated much of her term. A racial reckoning and crime surge still divides Chicago over the role of policing and causes of violence. Rising costs of living, from the gas pump to the property tax bill, worry families struggling to make ends meet.

Much of that is out of Lightfoot’s control, Cobb said, but the confluence of events and the intractability of those issues make it much harder this time to build a compelling but straightforward message, as the mayor’s “Bring in the Light” slogan proved in 2019.

That leaves an opportunity for Lightfoot’s challengers, including the lesser-known candidates.[34]

”

Caroline Vakil, a reporter for The Hill, wrote:[36]

“

Observers note that Lightfoot’s first task is making it into the April runoff and that Vallas and García could be the most formidable challengers. Both men have run for Chicago mayor in the past. Vallas has honed in on the issue of crime, while García enjoys support from several labor unions, including the influential IUOE Local 150.

“The path for her is to have the right candidate” to run against, said veteran political operative Victor Reyes, who’s a supporter of García.

“If she makes the runoff with certain candidates, her chances improve dramatically,” he added.[34]

”

Heather Cherone, a reporter for WTTW, wrote:[37]

“

The first Black woman to be elected mayor of Chicago, Lightfoot’s announcement seeks to cast the wide array of enemies she has made since taking office across the political spectrum as evidence that she has disrupted the status quo that has governed Chicago for decades.

“When we fight for change, confront a global pandemic, work to keep kids in school, take on guns and gangs, systemic inequality and political corruption only to have powerful forces try and stop progress for Chicago — of course I take it personally, for our city,” Lightfoot says.

After quoting unnamed critics who have called her “tough” and “angry,” Lightfoot seeks to turn that opprobrium to her advantage in a city that has long embraced rough-around-the-edges politicians determined to win at all costs.[34]

”

Election context

Election history

2019

See also: Mayoral election in Chicago, Illinois (2019)

Former Chicago Police Board President Lori Lightfoot defeated Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle in the April 2, 2019, runoff election for mayor of Chicago, Illinois. They were the top two vote-getters among 14 candidates in the general election on Feb. 26.

The 2019 race was Chicago's fourth open mayoral race in 100 years. Incumbent Rahm Emanuel, first elected in 2011, announced in September 2018 he would not run for a third term as mayor of the nation's third-largest city.[38]

Lightfoot became Chicago's first female African-American mayor and first openly gay mayor.[39]

General runoff election

General runoff election for Mayor of Chicago

Lori Lightfoot defeated Toni Preckwinkle in the general runoff election for Mayor of Chicago on April 2, 2019.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Lori Lightfoot
Lori Lightfoot (Nonpartisan)
 
73.7
 
386,039
Image of Toni Preckwinkle
Toni Preckwinkle (Nonpartisan)
 
26.3
 
137,765

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 523,804
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

General election

General election for Mayor of Chicago

The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Chicago on February 26, 2019.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Lori Lightfoot
Lori Lightfoot (Nonpartisan)
 
17.5
 
97,667
✔
Image of Toni Preckwinkle
Toni Preckwinkle (Nonpartisan)
 
16.0
 
89,343
Image of Bill Daley
Bill Daley (Nonpartisan)
 
14.8
 
82,294
Image of Willie Wilson
Willie Wilson (Nonpartisan)
 
10.6
 
59,072
Image of Susana Mendoza
Susana Mendoza (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
9.0
 
50,373
Image of Amara Enyia
Amara Enyia (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
8.0
 
44,589
Image of Jerry Joyce
Jerry Joyce (Nonpartisan)
 
7.2
 
40,099
Image of Gery Chico
Gery Chico (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
6.2
 
34,521
Image of Paul Vallas
Paul Vallas (Nonpartisan)
 
5.4
 
30,236
Image of Garry McCarthy
Garry McCarthy (Nonpartisan)
 
2.7
 
14,784
Image of La Shawn Ford
La Shawn Ford (Nonpartisan)
 
1.0
 
5,606
Image of Bob Fioretti
Bob Fioretti (Nonpartisan)
 
0.8
 
4,302
Image of John Kozlar
John Kozlar (Nonpartisan)
 
0.4
 
2,349
Image of Neal Sáles-Griffin
Neal Sáles-Griffin (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
0.3
 
1,523
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
86

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 556,844
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2015

See also: Municipal elections in Chicago, Illinois (2015)
Mayor of Chicago, Runoff Election, 2015
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel Incumbent 56.2% 332,171
Jesus "Chuy" Garcia 43.8% 258,562
Total Votes 590,733
Source: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, "Official runoff election results," accessed July 9, 2015


Mayor of Chicago, General Election, 2015
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel Incumbent 45.6% 218,217
Green check mark transparent.pngJesus "Chuy" Garcia 33.5% 160,414
Willie Wilson 10.7% 50,960
Robert W. "Bob" Fioretti 7.4% 35,363
William "Dock" Walls, III 2.8% 13,250
Total Votes 478,204
Source: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, "Official general election results," accessed July 9, 2015


The map below shows results for the 2015 general and runoff elections by precinct as well as vote total differences between the two elections. As of 2013, Chicago had 2,069 precincts. The number of precincts within each of the city's 50 wards ranged from 23 precincts in the 12th Ward to 57 in the 19th Ward.[40]


About the city

See also: Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a city in Illinois. It is the seat of Cook County and the center of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. As of 2020, its population was 2,746,388.

City government

See also: Mayor-council government

The city of Chicago uses a strong mayor and city council system. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body and the mayor serves as the city's chief executive.[41] The mayor and city council each serve four-year terms.

Demographics

The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Demographic Data for Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Illinois
Population 2,746,388 12,812,508
Land area (sq mi) 227 55,512
Race and ethnicity**
White 47.7% 69.8%
Black/African American 29.2% 14.1%
Asian 6.8% 5.6%
Native American 0.3% 0.3%
Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Other (single race) N/A 6%
Multiple 5.3% 4.2%
Hispanic/Latino 28.6% 17.2%
Education
High school graduation rate 85.9% 89.7%
College graduation rate 41.1% 35.5%
Income
Median household income $62,097 $68,428
Persons below poverty level 17.3% 12%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


2023 battleground elections

See also: Battlegrounds

This election was a battleground race. Other 2023 battleground elections included:

See also

Chicago, Illinois Illinois Municipal government Other local coverage
Chicago city seal.png
Seal of Illinois.png
Municipal Government Final.png
Local Politics Image.jpg

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ WTTW, "Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas Announces Run for Mayor, Says Chicago Faces a ‘Crisis of Leadership,'" June 1, 2022
  2. ↑ Brandon Johnson's 2023 campaign website, "On The Issues," accessed December 7, 2022
  3. ↑ Lori Lightfoot's 2023 campaign website, "About Lori Lightfoot," accessed December 7, 2022
  4. ↑ WBEZ, "Chuy García begins new bid for Chicago mayor by citing his work with Harold Washington," November 10, 2022
  5. ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "Congressman Jonathan Jackson endorses mayoral challenger Brandon Johnson," January 16, 2023
  6. ↑ Politico, "‘Charlatans,’ Jan. 6 and the mayor’s race," January 17, 2023
  7. ↑ [https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2023/01/09/its-inauguration-day-and-theres-drama-00076976 Politico, " It’s inauguration day, and there’s drama," January 9, 2023]
  8. ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "Mayoral ballot: Ja’Mal Green on top," December 6, 2022
  9. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "5 candidates for Chicago mayor — but not Lightfoot — face challenges that could knock them off the February ballot," December 5, 2022
  10. ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "Mayoral candidates take aim at Brandon Johnson at NBC 5 forum on Black community," February 13, 2023
  11. ↑ WTTW, "WTTW News Mayoral Forum - Full Show," February 7, 2023
  12. ↑ Politico, "Chicago nudges Biden in Wisconsin," February 8, 2023
  13. ↑ CBS News, "Mayoral candidates trade heated remarks on crime, education, economy at forum," January 31, 2023
  14. ↑ Heartland Signal, "All Chicago mayoral candidates participate in heated WCPT forum," January 27, 2023
  15. ↑ CBS News, "At debate, Mayor Lightfoot touts record while other candidates say her policies have failed," January 20, 2023
  16. ↑ CBS News, "Only two Chicago mayoral candidates attend forum hosted by Republican group," January 16, 2023
  17. ↑ WGN, "Mayoral candidates make pitches at Lane Tech High School," January 16, 2023
  18. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Mayor Lori Lightfoot pounces on challenger Paul Vallas during punchy women’s forum," January 14, 2023
  19. ↑ ABC7, "Chicago mayor candidates participate in forum on disability issues as they look for support, votes," January 7, 2023
  20. ↑ ABC 7, "Chicago mayor election: 8 candidates participate in forum at Copernicus Center," December 13, 2022
  21. ↑ RV=Registered Voters
    LV=Likely Voters
  22. ↑ The sponsor is the person or group that funded all or part of the poll.
  23. ↑ Reported as "Write-in candidate/Other."
  24. ↑ RV=Registered Voters
    LV=Likely Voters
  25. ↑ The sponsor is the person or group that funded all or part of the poll.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Reported as "Don't Know/Undecided." Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "undecided" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "undecided" defined multiple times with different content
  27. ↑ WTTW, "Wilson Contributes $5M to His Bid for Mayor, Lifting State Limits on Campaign Contributions," April 12, 2022
  28. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
  29. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
  30. ↑ Amee LaTour, Email correspondence with the Center for Responsive Politics, August 5, 2022
  31. ↑ Politico, "Playbook’s holiday gift list!" December 16, 2022
  32. ↑ Politico, "Craning for union support," December 7, 2022
  33. ↑ ABC News, "She made history as Chicago mayor. Reelection may be harder," January 20, 2023
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  35. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Lori Lightfoot came out of nowhere to win the 2019 Chicago mayor’s race. Can a lesser-known challenger do the same this time?" December 29, 2022
  36. ↑ The Hill, "Lightfoot fights for political survival in Chicago mayor’s race," January 19, 2023
  37. ↑ WTTW, "Mayor Lori Lightfoot Launches Re-election Campaign with Video Vowing to ‘Never Back Down’ Despite Criticism," June 7, 2022
  38. ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "Officials hope early voting sites opening in all 50 wards will boost low numbers," February 11, 2019
  39. ↑ NBC News, "Lori Lightfoot elected Chicago mayor, will be 1st black woman and 1st openly gay person to hold post," April 2, 2019
  40. ↑ Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, "District Precinct Schedules," accessed December 13, 2018
  41. ↑ City of Chicago, "Chicago Government," accessed August 29, 2014
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