Politics
5 Lightfoot legacy projects that a new mayor could dismantle
A rendering of the proposed Bally's casino is on display at a recent public forum in December. Photo: Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Chicago is less than two weeks from choosing a new mayor.
Why it matters: Whoever gets the job, be it Paul Vallas or Brandon Johnson, will bring new goals and initiatives to the city, and he'll have to make tough decisions on whether to continue, or ditch, some of his predecessors' plans.
Your guide to Chicago's aldermanic races in the April runoff
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
This year, 14 aldermanic races will be decided by runoffs on April 4.
Why it matters: These races will reshape City Council under a new mayor.
"Defund the police" dogs Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson
Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson says his views on funding police have not changed, but his words have.
Why it matters: With almost two-thirds of Chicago voters saying public safety is the No. 1 issue this election, per WBEZ, both mayoral candidates are being pressed on past stances to reduce crime in the city.
Tracking the LGBTQ vote in the Chicago mayoral race
Photo illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu Agency, Scott Olson/Getty Images
Leaders of Chicago's LGBTQ community are speaking out about their picks for the next mayor.
Why it matters: Strong support from the community helped propel Lori Lightfoot to victory in 2019.
What to know as the "ComEd Four" bribery trial begins in Chicago
Photo illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images
Today, the long-awaited "ComEd Four" bribery trial begins in Chicago.
Why it matters: Federal prosecutors allege former ComEd executives conspired to bribe people close to former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan in return for favorable legislative packages, some at the expense of Illinois consumers.
Paul Vallas' billionaire booster draws backlash in mayoral race
Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel, in 2014. Photo: E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Last week, billionaire Citadel founder Ken Griffin publicly threw his support behind mayoral candidate Paul Vallas. But that might not be a good thing for the front-runner's campaign.
Why it matters: Griffin, a divisive Republican who moved his hedge fund's headquarters out of Chicago last summer, poured millions of dollars into trying to defeat Democrats during the midterms.
Chicago vote count drawing to a close
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Election results are nearly final more than a week after voting ended.
Driving the news: The Chicago Board of Elections has counted most of the vote-by-mail ballots it has received that were postmarked by Election Day.
Key endorsements to watch in the Chicago mayoral runoff
Photo illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photos: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu Agency, Scott Olson/Getty Images
As Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas crisscross the city trying to sway voters ahead of April 4, they're hoping their allies can help.
Why it matters: High-profile endorsements from other Chicago Democrats could make or break these campaigns.
Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Chicago.