Chicago Set to Vote in br Historic Mayoral Election The city will choose between br Toni Preckwinkle and Lori Lightfoot br to take over for Rahm Emanuel. Emanuel is stepping down from the role after two terms in office. In a February qualifying election, the two women received the most votes out of over br a dozen candidates. It will also be the br largest American city whose br mayor is a black woman. Should 56-year-old Lightfoot win, br the attorney will also be the first br Chicago mayor who is openly gay. 72-year-old Preckwinkle is a former city br council member. Currently, she serves as president of the br Cook County Board of Commissioners. During their campaigns, br both Democratic women have br presented themselves as progressives, as opposed to Emanuel's br more moderate approach. The runoff election will br take place on April 2.