On Friday, Chicago’s 56th Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, left her fifth-floor City Hall office for good.
She will make way for Brandon Johnson, who will be inaugurated as the city’s 57th mayor on Monday.
“I’m forever humbled and grateful to have served our city as mayor. These past four years were filled with challenges, yet we achieved and celebrated so much together. Thank you, Chicago, for the honor and privilege of a lifetime,” tweeted Lightfoot after leaving office with her wife, Amy Eshleman.
I'm forever humbled and grateful to have served our City as mayor. These past four years were filled with challenges, yet we achieved and celebrated so much together.
Thank you, Chicago, for the honor and privilege of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/TlpH187uCT
— Archived: Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@mayorlightfoot) May 12, 2023
Hundreds of well-wishers jammed the City Hall lobby to bid farewell to the teary-eyed couple. Once outside, they were feted with confetti, bagpipes, hugs and handshakes.
Lightfoot and Eschleman were ultimately escorted away in a vintage 1940s Cadillac convertible.
Lightfoot said she would not run for public office again during her Tuesday farewell speech.
“I will be here as private citizen Lightfoot, continually rooting for you and every resident of our city.”
“My work is not done,” she said. “I will roll up my sleeves in another form and fashion but continue on.”
It’s been the honor of a lifetime, Chicago. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/uvSERq41eD
— Archived: Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@mayorlightfoot) May 12, 2023
