(WTTW News)

Things got pointed at the final Chicago mayoral candidate debate. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.

Candidates Ja’Mal Green, Ald. Sophia King (4th Ward), state Rep. Kam Buckner and Willie Wilson at the WTTW News mayoral forum on Feb. 7, 2023. (Michael Izquierdo)
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During press interviews held after WTTW's mayoral forum Tuesday evening, challengers to Mayor Lori Lightfoot pledged to reestablish a Department of Environment — disbanded in 2011 under Rahm Emanuel — if elected.

(WTTW News)

Things got heated between the candidates at the WTTW News mayoral forum this week. Our politics team weighs in on that story.

Brandon Johnson, Paul Vallas, Lori Lightfoot and Roderick Sawyer prepare for the start of the WTTW News Mayoral Forum on Feb. 7, 2023. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

A visual look at the WTTW News Mayoral Forum. On topics ranging from police reform and crime to Chicago Public Schools and affordable housing, candidates shared their views on the biggest issues facing the city. 

Candidates at the WTTW News mayoral forum. (Michael Izquierdo)

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot defended her record on police reform at the WTTW News mayoral forum and accused her challengers of throwing “bombs from the cheap seats.”

U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García appears on Chicago Tonight” on Nov. 22, 2022. (WTTW News)
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Mayoral challenger U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García took direct aim at Mayor Lori Lightfoot Friday, blasting her for failing to prevent a tide of crime and violence in the city. 

Ald. Roderick Sawyer appears on “Chicago Tonight” via Zoom following his announcement that he is entering Chicago’s mayoral race. (WTTW News)

Former state Sen. Rickey Hendon, a consultant to candidate Willie Wilson, challenged the 6th Ward alderman’s petitions earlier this month. 

As mayoral candidate Willie Wilson looks on, former state Sen. Rickey Hendon tells reporters why he challenged Ja'Mal Green's nominating petitions. (Heather Cherone / WTTW News)

The top spot on the Feb. 28 ballot for mayor officially belongs to Ja’Mal Green, after an aide to rival candidate Willie Wilson dropped his challenge of the activist’s nominating petitions Wednesday evening.

(WTTW News)
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The surge of crime and violence that peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic but has yet to recede has imperiled Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s bid for a second term, even as the eight major candidates running to unseat her offer wildly different solutions to the seemingly intractable problem.

U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia greets supporters before launching a campaign for mayor of Chicago. (Heather Cherone / WTTW News)

The poll of 700 likely Chicago voters was conducted Nov. 10 to Nov. 17 by Impact Research, a firm that includes President Joe Biden and other prominent Democrats among its list of clients.

Max Bever of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners conducts a lottery on Dec. 6, 2022, to determine the order of candidates in the Feb. 28 election. (Heather Cherone/WTTW News)

Ja’Mal Green, one of the six candidates for mayor who filed at 9 a.m. Nov. 21, won a lottery for that coveted pole position on the ballot, one that many people believe could offer a boost in a crowded race.

Cleopatra Watson, waits to file her petitions to run for 9th Ward alderperson at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, after waiting in line for nearly 72 hours. (Heather Cherone / WTTW News)

Willie Wilson, Ja’Mal Green, state Rep. Kam Buckner, Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson and Ald. Sophia King (4th Ward) all filed to run for mayor of Chicago.

Chicago City Hall. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

A wide-ranging and still-growing field of challengers are seeking to deny incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot a second term in February 2023. 

A shot from a new campaign video released by Ald. Sophia King. (Friends of Sophia King)

Chicago residents aren’t used to having a lot of options when an incumbent mayor is running for re-election, but so far eight candidates have declared they’re running.

Philanthropist and businessman Willie Wilson is once again running for mayor. (WTTW News)

Philanthropist and businessman Willie Wilson is once again running for mayor. It’s the third time he has sought the top job at City Hall. Wilson’s previous two mayoral bids were unsuccessful, as was his run for the U.S. Senate in 2020.

Willie Wilson announces he will run for mayor of Chicago. (Heather Cherone/WTTW News)

Flanked by a large group of friends, supporters and religious officials, Willie Wilson made the announcement Monday in his condominium overlooking Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.