Chicago City Wire

15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez noted his commitment to beating Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in announcing he would not personally run against her.

“After spending months traveling the city and collecting nearly 26,000 signatures for my mayoral bid, I have decided against running for mayor,” Lopez said in a campaign press release. 

“With every new challenger that enters the race, the odds of Lori Lightfoot making it into a runoff, possibly even winning reelection, grows. Chicago has survived many things over its existence, but it will not survive another four years with this mayor chasing headlines to cover up her nonstop bouncing from bad decision to bad decision.” 

“This race has never been about me or any political ambition. It has always been about standing up for the city I love, saving it from the protest-vote mayor. In order to help voters choose from a narrower field, I am putting the city first and removing myself from contention.” 

“We must defeat Lori Lightfoot. Period.” 

“I do know, however, that this campaign has given me an extraordinary opportunity to see many new neighborhoods from a very different lens. The last several months have produced new friendships, new ideas and a renewed love and excitement for the ward I call home. Today I announce my intention to seek a third term as Alderman of the 15th Ward. My residents overwhelming supported me in the past and did so again by coming together quickly to get the necessary signatures to file today.” 

“I remain committed to the ideals and proposals I shared during the past several months. As a returning alderman I look forward to helping guide our City Council further into the 21st Century, welcoming a potentially record-setting number of new members, and assisting a new mayor that prioritizes faith, family, opportunity and security in every community.” 

“I must thank the thousands of people across Chicago who supported me, believed in me, and helped me in this moment. This was not an easy decision. It is emotional and difficult for all of us; however, the pain of seeing Lightfoot continue politically would be far worse.”

The 44-year-old Lopez was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 2015. Before that he served as a Democratic committeeman. The 15th ward includes the West Englewood, Brighton Park, Back of the Yards and Gage Park neighborhoods. 

”Chicago is at a crossroads. After years of growth and investment, particularly in neighborhoods that I represent, I am finding that the current administration is unwilling to protect and support our future. We must fight back to ensure we protect our families, livelihoods, and future. I intend to do just that,” Lopez said on the website of his aborted campaign.

Lopez is known for his no nonsense stances on crime in the 15th Ward and the city at large. He has feuded with Lightfoot over the city’s skyrocketing crime rates over the past two years. Lopez will run for reelection in the 15th Ward.

The alderman’s departure from the race still leaves a crowded field to take on Lightfoot including U.S. Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García, former CEO for Chicago Public Schools Paul Vallas, businessman Willie Wilson, 26th District State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), Cook County commissioner for the 1st District Brandon Johnson, Obama-backed 4th Ward Alderman Sophia King, 6th Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer and BLM-protestor Ja’Mal Green. The election will be held on Feb. 28.