Overview and Live Results: Chicago Mayoral Election, Legislative Special Elections

This Tuesday, we're following the mayoral election in Chicago. There are also three State House special elections in Connecticut, and a State House special runoff election in Georgia.

Chicago Mayor

Mayor Lori Lightfoot faces a large field of challengers Tuesday as she seeks a second term running the nation's third largest city. Given the size of the field, and the number of credible candidates, an April 4 runoff is all but certain. What isn't certain is whether the incumbent will make it out of the first round.

There are nine candidates on the ballot. According to Politico, "Lightfoot is facing three main threats: former public schools CEO Paul Vallas to her right, Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson to her left, and Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García fuzzily bouncing around in between with Lightfoot."

Public safety is the dominant issue in the campaign. That has helped propel former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas to a small lead in most polling, including a new one from Victory Research. Endorsed by the local Fraternal Order of Police, Vallas has "called for expanding the police force, improving arrest rates for serious crimes and expanding charter schools." 

Vallas had 27% support in the Victory Research poll, which surveyed 806 likely voters. Johnson (20%), Lightfoot (19%) and Garcia (16%) were in a statistical tie for the second spot. Also in the running is businessman Willie Wilson (11%). The other four candidates plus undecided voters totaled just 7%. 

Polls close at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Note that this race may not be decided Tuesday. Any mail-in ballots postmarked by February 28 and received by March 14 will be counted. In addition, any candidate that finishes within 5% of second place can request a recount.

Connecticut State House Districts 6, 100, 148

Democrats hold a wide 95-53 edge over Republicans in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Members serve two-year terms, with the next regularly scheduled elections in 2024.

There are three vacancies; all will be filled in special elections Tuesday. The three districts were all previously held by Democrats.

Polls close at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

District 6: This Hartford district was vacated by Democrat Edwin Vargas, who resigned in early January. Vargas had served since 2013 and was unopposed for reelection in 2018 and 2020. Democrat James Sanchez faces an independent challenger, Jason Diaz.

District 100: This district is in the southcentral part of the state. Democrat Quentin Williams died in January. Williams last faced a Republican opponent in 2020, winning by 65% to 35%. The district boundaries were largely unchanged in redistricting. The nominees are Democrat Kai Juanna Belton and Republican Deborah Kleckowski.

District 148: This Stamford area district was last represented by Democrat Dan Fox, who resigned in January. Fox had served in the State House since 2011. In 2022, Fox won by a 68% to 32% margin over his GOP challenger. The nominees are Democrat Anabel Figueroa and Republican Olga Anastos.

Georgia State House District 119 (Runoff)

Republicans hold a 100-78 edge over Democrats in the Georgia House of Representatives. There are two vacancies. Members serve two-year terms, with the next regularly scheduled elections in 2024.

District 119 sits west of Athens. In January, Representative-elect Danny Rampey (R) resigned prior to being sworn in after being indicted. Six Republicans and one Democrat were on the January 31 special election ballot. The top two finishers, both Republican, were Holt Persinger and Charlie Chase.

Polls close at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. 

Upcoming Elections

Special

• March 7
  • Florida State House District 24 (Primary)
• March 14
  • Tennessee State House District 86
• March 21
  • Georgia State House District 75 (April 18 runoff, if necessary)
• March 28
  • New Hampshire State House District Hillsborough 3 (Primary)
• April 4
  • Wisconsin State Senate District 8

Mayoral

• March 7
  • Tampa, Florida (April 25 runoff, if necessary)
• March 21
  • Jacksonville, Florida (May 16 runoff, if necessary)
• April 4
  • Chicago, Illinois (Runoff)
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado (May 16 runoff, if necessary)
  • Denver, Colorado (June 6 runoff, if necessary)
  • Kansas City, Missouri (Primary)
  • Lincoln, Nebraska (Primary)
  • Madison, Wisconsin

Other

• April 4
  • Wisconsin Supreme Court