(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot conceded in her race for re-election late Tuesday night as former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson will head to a runoff election to determine her successor.
Vallas held a healthy lead with more than 90% of precincts reporting, receiving 35% of the votes counted.
Since no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the election will go to a run off on April 4.
During his campaign, Vallas focused on high violent crime rates in the city and reforming policing. Chicago has been the murder capital of the U.S. for nine consecutive years.
Johnson, who surged in polling in recent weeks, finished in second place, earning a runoff against Vallas.
Six other candidates also were eliminated from contention, including Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.