Chicago experienced the first mayoral runoff between two black female candidates on the municipal election held on Feb. 26. Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle were the two candidates to receive the highest number of votes, though neither of them received 50 percent of votes. The runoff election will be held on April 2.

Early voting begins on March 15 at the Loop Super Site and March 18 at the 50 ward sites.

Toni Preckwinkle

Experience: Chair of Cook County Democratic party (2018 – present); president of Cook County Board (2011 – present); 4th ward alderman (1991 – 2010); high school history teacher (1981 – 1991); and planner for the Chicago department of economic development.

Website: https://toniforchicago.com/

Issues: Education; public safety; raising minimum wage to $15; clean water and environmental justice; and appointing LGBTQ representation on the civilian office and police accountability board.

Lori Lightfoot

Experience: Co-chair of the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force (2016 – present); president of the Chicago Police Board (2015 – 2018); senior equity partner Mayer Brown LLP (2005 – 2018); chief of staff and general counsel for the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (2004 – 2005); chief administrator for the city of Chicago’s Office of Professional Standards (2002 – 2004); assistant United States attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice (1996 – 2002); legislative aid; and clerkship with the Michigan Supreme Court.

Website: https://lightfootforchicago.com/

Issues: Investing in education; ending violence; affordable housing; eliminating government corruption; supporting LGBTQ+ Chicagoans; defending immigrants; legalizing cannabis; supporting small businesses; neighborhood investment; police department reform; and creating better jobs.

Loop SuperSite / Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago is located at 69 W. Washington St. Chicago, Illinois, 60602.