Ja’Mal Green claims the top spot, followed by Sophia King, Kam Buckner, Willie Wilson, Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas
CHICAGO (WLS) — The ballot for Chicago’s mayoral race took shape Tuesday morning.
First place on the ballot went to Ja’Mal Green, but that could change if his petition signature challenge is successful and he is removed from the ballot.
Other candidates are also facing challenges, which means the final vote could look different on February 28.
The current voting order is:
Ja’Mal Green
sofia king
kam buckner
willie wilson
brandon johnson
Paul Fences
lori light foot
frederick collins
Johnny Logalbo
Roderick Sawyer
Jesus “Chuy” Garcia
The top six were in the lottery draw that took place on Tuesday morning, and first place is traditionally considered beneficial, although there is no scientific evidence to prove it.
The candidates tried to downplay the importance of the draw, but if Green is removed from the ballot, King has more to gain.
“I’m number two and things can happen and you can move up to number 1, so I’m excited,” King said.
“I think people are going to find the person they resonate with no matter where they are on the ballot, but it helps to be at the top, I think, and we’ll see how that all plays out,” Buckner said.
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“At the end of the day, if you get first place, it excites some of the campaign staff, but at the end of the day it doesn’t really mean much,” Vallas said.
“Well, I think my name is out now and people will be looking for who they want to vote for,” Wilson said.
Ja’Mal Green was not in the draw, but his campaign manager said winning the top spot was a dream come true for Green.
Green, Wilson, Sawyer, Collins and Logalbo face petition challengers, which could affect the candidates on the final ballot. Hearings on those challenges will take place over the next two months.
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