Lori Lightfoot Concedes in Chicago Mayoral Race

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot conceded election defeat on Tuesday, February 28, ending her efforts to serve a second term; she was the first elected Chicago mayor to lose a reelection bid since 1983.

Lightfoot said she would be “rooting and praying for our next mayor to deliver for the people of the city for years to come” in her concession speech on February 28.

“Four years ago, I looked into the camera and spoke directly to young people of color who looked like me and to every kid who felt like I did when I grew up. And I’m going to do that again tonight,” Lightfoot said.

“You will not be defined by how you fall, you will be defined by how hard you work and how much you do good for other people,” Lightfoot added. “Obviously, we didn’t win the election today. But I stand here with my head held high and a heart full of gratitude."

Lightfoot also said she called Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas “to congratulate them on their victories in advancing to the runoffs.”

According to the Associated Press, mayoral candidates Vallas, a former schools CEO, and Johnson, a Cook County commissioner, advanced to a runoff election, to be held on April 4.

Lightfoot made history as the first openly gay black woman to serve as Chicago mayor. Credit: Lori Lightfoot via Storyful

Video Transcript

LORI LIGHTFOOT: So let me just do this. So thank you, and thank everyone so much. I feel a lot of love in this room, as I've felt every step of the way on this journey. I've called Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallis to congratulate them on their victories and advancing to the runoffs. We were fierce competitors in these last few months, but I will be rooting and praying for our next mayor to deliver for the people of the city for years to come.

AUDIENCE: You're a class act, Mayor.

LORI LIGHTFOOT: Thank you.

[CHEERING]

Four years-- four years ago, I looked into the camera and spoke directly to young people of color who look like me and to every kid who felt like I did when I grew up. And I'm going to do that again tonight. I told you back then that anything is possible with hard work. And I want you to know that no matter what happens along the way, you should always believe that because it's true.

Believe that you can bring about change. Believe that you matter, and believe that you can love who you want to love and do what you want to do and be who you want to be. You will not be defined by how you fall. You will be defined by how hard you work and how much you do good for other people.

[CHEERING]

Obviously, we didn't win the election today. But I stand here with my head held high and a heart full of gratitude.

[CHEERING]

I am grateful to the millions of Chicagoans who came together as we made tough decisions, saw the struggles of our frontline workers, and beat back a deadly pandemic.

[CHEERING]

I'm grateful that we worked together to remove a record number of guns off our streets, reduced homicides, and started making real progress on public safety. I'm grateful that we were able to connect youth to mental health services, housing, education, job training, and legal services.

[CHEERING]

Extraordinarily proud that we made investments in communities that have been neglected for decades with INVEST South/West.

[CHEERING]

And putting over $2.2 billion into communities in our neighborhoods. That commitment simply must continue.

[CHEERING]

And I'm proud of the fact that we have-- will deliver on the city's largest ever investments in affordable housing.

AUDIENCE: Yes.

LORI LIGHTFOOT: And to achieve record investments in our public schools, adding school social workers, nurses, and special education case managers.

AUDIENCE: Yes.

LORI LIGHTFOOT: And you better believe I am grateful that we took on the machine and entrenched forces that held this city back for far too long.

[CHEERING]

And regardless of tonight's outcome, we fought the right fights, and we put this city on a better path, no doubt about it.

[CHEERING]

Now, as we all know in life, in the end, you don't always win every battle. But you never regret taking on the powerful and bringing in the light.

[CHEERING]

To my friends across the country and my fellow mayors, never fear being brave and bold.

AUDIENCE: That's right.

[CHEERING]

LORI LIGHTFOOT: I have always believed that when a door closes, another one opens. And so it will be for me and Amy and Viv.

[APPLAUSE]

Thank you to my family for inspiring me. My love of our wife-- my wife, our daughter, and the rest of my family grows and grows. And they have always stood by me through thick and thin, and tonight is no different. Thank you, honey.

[APPLAUSE]

AUDIENCE: Thank you.

We love you.

LORI LIGHTFOOT: Thank you.

[CHEERING]

Thank you to our campaign team, the best in the business, no doubt.

[CHEERING]

And I want to say a special thanks to our incredible volunteers.

[CHEERING]

Who did tremendous work. Who did tremendous work connecting us with voters and making the case for me every day all over this city.

AUDIENCE: We love you.

LORI LIGHTFOOT: And to my friends in organized labor, thanks for your commitments and support.

[CHEERING]

And being with me and being together on the battles that we fought on behalf of working Chicagoans.

AUDIENCE: Yes.

LORI LIGHTFOOT: That work must continue.

[APPLAUSE]

I have been-- I am honored to have been a partner in the work, which as I said, must continue. I'm eternally grateful to everyone who gave us their time, support, and money and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you. God bless this incredible city.

It's been the honor of a lifetime to be mayor. There's more work to do. And I just want to say thank you all deeply, deeply from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

[CHEERING]