Surging Candidate Picks Up Key Endorsements, Announces Major Policy Plans as Election Nears
It has been an eventful week for Paul Vallas as he continues to establish himself as a frontrunner in the race for Chicago Mayor. From picking up major, game-changing endorsements to again standing out at a candidate debate and more, Vallas has continued to build momentum as the February 28th election nears.
Packed House at 13th/23rd Ward Tour
Vallas started the week with hundreds of supporters joining him at Danny’s on South Archer Avenue for his 13th and 23rd Ward Tour Event. A capacity crowd greeted the candidate as he spoke to residents about his plans to put crime reduction and public safety first.
Vallas Unveils Economic Development Plan
In a speech to the City Club on Tuesday, Vallas released his Economic Development plan designed to rebuild disadvantaged communities within the city. The Sun-Times noted that Vallas called for a “Second Burnham Plan” to revitalize neighborhoods while also taking politics and aldermanic privilege out of development decisions
WGN Debate Shows Vallas in Command
The candidates met Tuesday night at WGN’s Mayoral Forum, where Vallas again established himself as the most prepared candidate with real plans to address Chicago’s challenges. Meanwhile, Mayor Lightfoot failed to name a single new idea on public safety not once, but twice.
When asked which candidate appeared the most mayoral, WGN Political Analyst Paul Lisnkek said on the network’s post debate show: “Paul Vallas for me stood out in a very different way… as someone who could be standing in front of City Council and controlling that meeting, and having people sit at his desk, I think the answer to your question is, [Vallas] stood out.”
Alderman Tunney Endorses Vallas
Lakeview Alderman Tom Tunney endorsed Paul Vallas on Wednesday, giving the campaign another major boost that received major media coverage. Standing in the shadow of Wrigley Field, Tunney said: “As a person who is socially progressive and fiscally responsible, the platform Paul Vallas has for Chicago most closely aligns with what I believe."
Vallas Rolls Out Education Plan
Flanked by educators who are supporting his campaign, Paul announced his plans for Chicago Public Schools on Thursday which include keeping campuses open after hours, creating high school work study programs and much more.
Chicago Tribune Endorses Vallas
The city’s paper of record added its support for Paul’s campaign on Friday, with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board endorsing his campaign. The editorial said of Paul: “Demonstrably, Chicago is a city in need of a turnaround, and, in Paul Vallas, we’re endorsing a smart, passionate and experienced candidate for mayor who long has specialized in doing precisely that.
Alderman Hopkins Joins Team Vallas
Respected Alderman Brian Hopkins became the latest city leader to endorse Paul on Friday, saying “I know that Paul Vallas is the best candidate in this race to bring honesty and accountability to City Hall and to ensure that we are investing in the right programs and initiatives to improve quality of life.”
Gazette Chicago Endorses Vallas
Covering the South Side of Chicago as an independent community newspaper since 1983, Gazette Chicago is an important local news voice. The paper became the latest to endorse Paul Vallas this week, writing: “At Gazette Chicago we want a leader who can get us out of our current morass…. we endorse Paul Vallas for Mayor.”
Looking forward, Paul will host two more Ward Tour events this weekend before continuing to announce new policy initiatives, supporters and more next week.