This Week's News Roundup 1.29.23

‘You brought chaos’: Mayor Lightfoot defends record against challengers ‘Chuy’ García and Brandon Johnson

Chicago Tribune -- Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot launched a blistering series of attacks on two of her top challengers Monday, accusing Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson and his allies in the teachers union of bringing “chaos” to Chicago schools during her first term and re-upping assertions that U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García is a false reformer whose ties to indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan undermine his claims he’ll be an independent mayor.

The challengers responded by ripping the mayor for letting crime in Chicago run rampant, breaking key campaign promises and being a belligerent and ineffective leader of the nation’s third-largest city. Click to read article

Crime takes center stage at forum as Mayor Lori Lightfoot interrupts opponents and moderator to defend record

Chicago Tribune -- Summary of candidate debate Click to read article

Chicago’s Latino voters could be key in the mayor race. Will they back ‘Uncle’ Chuy García or a rival?

Chicago Tribune -- Summary of the landscape of Latino voters, what they care about, and how candidates are approaching getting their votes Click to read article

Vallas gets help in Chicago mayoral bid from controversial ex-CPS board member

WBEZ -- A mini-tour of Vallas donors including ethics violations, big business, and Trump support Click to read article

Six Candidates Are Challenging Ald. Nicole Lee In The 11th Ward

Block Club Chicago -- Two teachers, a veteran police officer, a firefighter and an attorney are among the challengers looking to unseat the 11th Ward incumbent. Click to read article Endorsement

Meet The 7 Candidates Running To Replace Ald. Sophia King In South Side’s 4th Ward

Block Club Chicago -- Seven candidates are vying to represent Kenwood, Oakland and parts of Bronzeville in City Council as King mounts her mayoral campaign. Click to read article Endorsement

Newly Appointed Southwest Side Alderperson Faces Community Organizer In Bid For 12th Ward Seat

Block Club Chicago -- Julia Ramirez, a longtime Brighton Park resident and community organizer, is challenging Ald. Anabel Abarca, who was appointed to the open seat last month. Click to read article Endorsement

5 Candidates Vying To Unseat Lightfoot-Appointed Ald. Timmy Knudsen In 43rd Ward Race

Block Club Chicago -- Steve Botsford, Brian Comer, Rebecca Janowitz, Steven McClellan and Wendi Taylor Nations are in the mix to deny Knudsen his first full term in City Council. Click to read article Non-endorsement

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Aida Flores In Head-To-Head Contest For 25th Ward

Block Club Chicago -- Flores, a CPS educator, also challenged Sigcho-Lopez in 2019. A third challenger dropped out of the race in January and backs Flores. Click to read article Non-endorsement