Mayor Richard M. Daley Reelected in Chicago

Mayor Daley Wins Sixth Term in Office

Mayor Richard M. Daley has won his bid for a sixth term of office in today's mayoral race. The City of Chicago reelected Mayor Richard M. Daley with 71% of the vote, per NBC News

In his victory speech, according to NBC News, Daley said, "We have come a long way by working together to focus on the challenges we share. Our school are improving, but there's more to do until every child in this city gets a quality education they deserve. Our streets are safer, but there's more to do before every neighborhood is free from the grip of gangs, guns and drugs. Out neighborhoods are stronger, but there's more to do to provide affordable housing, new jobs and businesses all across our city. Our budget is balanced but there's more to do to make government even more efficient. So we continue to protect taxpayers and provide support to those that need it the more. Our city hiring and contracts system have been reformed, and I'll keep working to continue to make them stronger to prevent wrongdoing and any misconduct. An election is not an end. Instead it offers a new beginning."

Winning his sixth term gives Mayor Daley a good chance of breaking his father's record of a 21 year term. If he breaks his father's record he will be in range of the possibility of becoming Chicago's longest running Mayor. If he serves the full term of office, he will surpass the record held by his legendary father, the late Richard J. Daley, who currently holds the record for length of time in the office of Mayor.

The late Mayor Richard J. Daley died in office in 1976, after serving 21 years as mayor. His son, Richard M. Daley will have served 22 years at the end of the term he was just elected to. Mayor Richard J. Daley was serving his 21st year in office, when he died at the age of 74.

His challengers in Tuesday's election were Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy and William "Dock" Walls, an aide to the late Mayor Harold Washington. The challengers attempted to make an issue of corruption and a federal investigation at City Hall.