Lightfoot Becomes Chicago's First African-American Female Mayor

After beating Toni Preckwinkle in a historic run-off election, Lori Lightfoot stands victorious tonight. She becomes Chicago's first African-American female and openly gay candidate to win Mayor's seat.

According to reports, the Associated Press declared Lightfoot the winner shortly after the polls closed.

“We were hoping, based on our polling, that we would do really well. But, this is amazing. More than I ever dreamed of. People really wanted change. They were very troubled by the negative tone of the Preckwinkle campaign. Now, people have new hope for a new beginning.”

The last time an African-American held Chicago's mayor seat was the late great Harold Washington, who made history in the 1983 election.