History was made in the American city of Chicago overnight when Lori Lightfoot became the first black woman and openly gay candidate to be elected Mayor.
The landslide win, which saw Lightfoot sweep all 50 voting districts, makes Chicago the biggest US city to ever elect a black woman as Mayor.
In a rousing victory speech reminiscent of former President Barack Obama, the former federal prosecutor and lawyer acknowledged the significance of the moment.
“Out there tonight, a lot of little girls and boys are watching. They’re watching us. And they’re seeing the beginning of something, well, a little bit different,” she said.
“They’re seeing a city reborn. A city where it doesn’t matter what colour you are. And surely how tall you are,” she joked.
Lightfoot was joined on stage by her wife Amy Eshleman and their 11-year-old daughter.
“Where it doesn’t matter who you love, just as long as you love,” she said. “Let me say that again. That it doesn’t matter who you love, just as long as you love, with all of your heart.”
“In Chicago, we will build together,” she told the crowd, “we will celebrate our differences. We will embrace our uniqueness, and make sure all have every opportunity to succeed. Every child out there should know this: one day, each of you can be the mayor of Chicago.”
The victory was seen as a huge step forward.
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