Lori Lightfoot sworn in as Chicago’s first black lesbian mayor
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 20: Lori Lightfoot waves to the crowd after being sworn in as Mayor of Chicago during a ceremony at the Wintrust Arena on May 20, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Lightfoot become the first black female and openly gay Mayor in the city’s history. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Former US assistant attorney Lori Lightfoot has been sworn in as mayor of Chicago, making her the first African-American woman and the first openly gay person in the role.
Lightfoot, 56, was inaugurated on Monday (May 20). She won in all 50 wards across Chicago, which is America’s third-largest city.
Promising “reform” under her mayorship, Lightfoot said, “We are a proud city with a proud history. In this moment, I can’t help but look at all of you and think about what lies ahead and what we can be together.”
“Putting Chicago government and integrity in the same sentence sometimes may seem a little strange,” Lightfoot said. “But friends, that’s going to change, because it’s got to change. For years, they’ve said, ‘Chicago ain’t ready for reform.’ Well, get ready because reform is here.”
As well as fighting Chicago’s gun violence problem, Lightfoot also pledged to increase the number of jobs and to govern with “integrity.”
Lori Lightfoot thanks mother in victory speech
Immediately after her win, Lightfoot made a 40-minute speech setting out her plans for Chicago based around four points: safety, education, stability and integrity.
“I’m looking ahead to a city of safe streets and strong schools for every child, regardless of neighbourhood or ZIP code,” Lightfoot said.
Lori Lightfoot addresses guests after being sworn in as Mayor of Chicago during a ceremony at the Wintrust Arena on May 20, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Lightfoot become the first black female and openly gay Mayor in the city’s history. (Scott Olson/Getty)
“A city where people want to grow old and not flee. A city of sanctuary against fear where no one must hide in the shadows. A city that is affordable for families and seniors, and where every job pays a living wage. A city of fairness and hope and prosperity for the many, not just for the few, a city that holds equity and inclusion as our guiding principles.”
During her speech, Lightfoot thanked her mother, Ann, 90, who was sat in the front row, according to NPR.
Lightfoot beat political insider Toni Preckwinkle, also an African-American woman.
14 candidates in total ran to be Chicago’s new mayor.
