Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat in reelection bid

Chicago Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot has conceded defeat in her reelection bid after failing to qualify for the runoff.

"Obviously we didn't win the election today, but I stand here with my head held high," she said Tuesday night, per NBC News.

Chicago mayoral candidates Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson are projected to advance to the April runoff election, according to the New York Times.

Lightfoot's tenure was marred by significant crime concerns, an issue that stood at the forefront of the mayor's race. Vallas, in particular, campaigned on addressing the city's crime levels and earned the support of Chicago's police union.

Vallas claimed 34.9% of the vote in a nine-way race while Johnson claimed 20.2%. Lightfoot trailed in third place with 16.4% of the vote.

Democratic Illinois Rep. Jesús García holds fourth place with 13.9% of the vote.

Chicago's elections are officially nonpartisan, though candidates typically align with one of the major parties and the city's last Republican mayor left office in 1931.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.