Willie R. Tubbs, FISM News
Tuesday night, a pair of closely-watched Midwest elections both appeared to favor the far left.
The Associated Press reports that Brandon Johnson, the farther left of a pair of Democrats in the runoff for Chicago mayor, defeated Paul Vallas in the race to replace ousted Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Johnson will inherit a city with a national reputation for crime and violence as well as internal strife among some of the city’s public service entities. Lightfoot had a well-documented feud with Chicago’s law enforcement.
“Tonight, we have shown the world the power of hope, the strength of organizing, and the might of our collective voice,” Johnson posted on Twitter. “Tomorrow, the real work begins. We will build a safer, stronger Chicago that reflects the hopes and dreams of every one of us — together.”
Tonight, we have shown the world the power of hope, the strength of organizing, and the might of our collective voice.
Tomorrow, the real work begins. We will build a safer, stronger Chicago that reflects the hopes and dreams of every one of us — together. pic.twitter.com/7LX4u2OReY
— Brandon Johnson (@Brandon4Chicago) April 5, 2023
Johnson’s victory both came out of nowhere and speaks to just how much sway leftist ideology holds in the nation’s third-largest city.
Vallas ran on a tough-on-crime, centrist platform and enjoyed the support of Chicago’s law enforcement, but Johnson, who was a relative unknown, rode to victory on a coalition of the local teachers union and endorsements from prominent far-left politicians like Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
On Twitter, Vallas conceded defeat and called for the reunification of Chicagoans.
“I called Brandon Johnson a short time ago to congratulate him on winning this election,” Vallas tweeted. “It’s critically important that we all come together now and work collaboratively to move our city forward. I thank my supporters and team, and especially my family. Thank you, Chicago.”
I called Brandon Johnson a short time ago to congratulate him on winning this election. It’s critically important that we all come together now and work collaboratively to move our city forward. I thank my supporters and team, and especially my family. Thank you, Chicago.
— Paul Vallas (@PaulVallas) April 5, 2023
WISCONSIN COURT ELECTION COULD DECIDE ABORTION LAW, ELECTION MAP
In Wisconsin, the mood was substantially less collegial.
Liberal candidate Janet Protasiewicz was elected to fill the open seat on the state’s supreme court. It’s a win that flipped the previously conservative court to the left with a 4-to-3 advantage.
“Today’s results mean two very important and special things,” ABC News quoted Protasiewicz as saying. “First, it means that Wisconsin voters have made their voices heard. They’ve chosen to reject partisan extremism in this state. And second, it means our democracy will always prevail.”
The stakes were high for both the left and right in this race as the court is expected to hear cases surrounding abortion and voting districts. In particular, the court will hear arguments on new district lines that were drawn by a Republican-led state legislature.
With a voting-district ruling likely to affect the 2024 presidential race, outside money flowed into the state on both sides and the race became particularly bitter.
“I wish that in a circumstance like this, I would be able to concede to a worthy opponent,” Daniel Kelly, the conservative candidate, said, according to ABC News.
But I do not have a worthy opponent to which I can concede. This was the most deeply deceitful, dishonorable despicable campaign I have ever seen run for the courts. It was truly beneath contempt. Now I say this not because we did not prevail. I do not say this because of the rancid slanders that were launched against me. Although that was bad enough. But that is not my concern. My concern is the damage done to the institution of the courts.
According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Kelly refused to call Protasiewicz saying that she was a “serial liar” for whom he had no respect. Kelly did, however, say he respected the vote of the people.
“I wish Wisconsin the best of luck, because I think it’s going to need it.”