Aldermanic Races: Daley Grandson Elected, Some Incumbents Sent Packing
(CBS) – A grandson of legendary Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley was elected to the City Council Tuesday, on a night when a handful of incumbent aldermen lost bids for re-election.
Patrick Daley Thompson won the 11th Ward seat in a contest with John Kozlar, a 26-year-old law student, with 58 percent of the vote, according to Board of Election Commissioners results.
It was one of the most closely watched council races. Thompson, a commissioner for the Water Reclamation District, is the nephew of former Mayor Richard M. Daley.
"I'm never running on my name, and I'm certainly not running from my name," Thompson, referring to his middle name, tells CBS 2's Derrick Blakley.
Eighteen aldermanic races saw runoffs Tuesday following the February election. In many of this week's contests, incumbents associated with Mayor Rahm Emanuel were forced to defend their seats (Emanuel himself defeated rival Jesus "Chuy" Garcia).
Among the highlights:
--Ward 7 incumbent Natashia Holmes, an Emanuel appointee, was defeated by Gregory Mitchell, who garnered 57 percent of the vote.
--Ward 18 incumbent Lona Lane lost by 5,123 votes to challenger Derrick G. Curtis.
--Challenger Chris Taliaferro was 511 votes ahead of Ward 29 incumbent Deborah L. Graham, with all but two precincts left to report.
--In the 31st Ward, Milagros "Millie" Santiago defeated incumbent Ray Suarez (51 percent to 49 percent, respectively).
-- Ward 41 incumbent Mary O'Connor trailed Anthony Napolitano by 761 votes, with 97 percent of the vote counted.
--In the drastically redrawn 2nd Ward, newcomer Brian Hopkins coasted to a victory over Alyx Pattison, 56 percent to 44 percent, respectively. The rivalry -- to replace Ald. Bob Fioretti -- was unusually cordial.
Other incumbents, including Ward 21 Ald. Howard Brookins Jr., narrowly held onto office. Some races were too close to call late Tuesday.
For the latest results, click here.