Chicago mayoral race: First debate between runoff candidates turns to personal attacks

Chicago MBrandon Johnson and Paul Vallas, both ayoral hopefuls, started their campaigns runoff election Wednesday saw a debate with Johnson launching personal attacks at Vallas and Vallas choosing to show their experience in his defense.

After Johnson and Vallas, Johnson and Vallas were advanced to the second round. defeating Lori Lightfoot was elected Chicago mayor, removing an incumbent for only the second time since 1989. On April 4, the runoff will decide if Chicago follows a more progressive approach to matters under Johnson or a more conservative and centrist agenda under Vallas in the following four years.

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Two candidates for the runoff sit here opposite ends of the two biggest topics In the mayoral race are crime and education. They continue to be supported by large unions and organisations, Johnson receiving support from Service Employees International Union Local 1; Vallas getting endorsements of Willie Wilson (former 2023 mayoral candidate).

The two candidates for the runoff will be announced on Wednesday held their first debateJohnson made personal attacks on Vallas for his prior work in the city’s financial budgets, school system. Johnson tried to link Vallas’s former tenure as CEO to the levels of pension funding for Chicago Public Schools teachers.

Vallas had a budget surplus after his departure but he was also responsible for changes that moved annual payments from teacher’s pension funds away by redirecting property taxes revenue to fund other school expenses. Chicago Tribune.

“We’re in this predicament because of the bad accounting measures of Mr. Vallas,” Johnson spoke of the financial difficulties in the city that were quickly exacerbated by the pandemic.

Johnson also criticised Vallas because of his remarks on being “more of a Republican than a Democrat” Vallas’ 2009 comments on abortion rights and the citation of Vallas’ 2009.

“Paul Vallas is on record saying that he fundamentally opposes women’s reproductive rights. He said he fundamentally opposes abortion. But it shouldn’t be a surprise,” Johnson explained that Vallas was associated with Johnson. “right-wing extremists who have attacked women.”

“I’m going to protect a woman’s right to choose,” Johnson agreed.

Johnson deflected questions about his previous statements to “defund the police,” It was an important topic, which many of his adversaries tried to use against him throughout campaign.

Vallas’ position with Democrats was constantly under scrutiny throughout his campaign.