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African American Woman Elected Mayor Of Chicago

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An African American woman has been elected as the Mayor of the US city of Chicago for the first time.

Lori Lightfoot is a former federal prosecutor who has not held political office before.

She fought won 13 other candidates and dominated the final election with more than 74% when the votes were announced.

Lori Lightfoot is also the city’s first gay African American woman mayor and celebrated on stage with her wife and daughter.

Out there tonight a lot of little girls and boys are watching. They’re watching us. And they’re seeing the beginning of something, well, a little bit different”.

Lightfoot previously led the city’s police accountability task force. The body was set up after the death of a 17 year old named Laquan McDonald at the hands of a police officer in 2014 and subsequent alleged cover-up.

She also headed the Chicago Police Board, a civilian oversight body that disciplines police officers. She also joins a growing rank of record breakers being elected to high-profile mayoral office across the country.

There are now seven other cities including Atlanta also led by black women.

She will take over office from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who previously served as chief of staff under former President Barack Obama.