The year 2018 was considered by many pundits the year of the woman. From congressional bids to local and state races across the country, women challenged and in many places won power at rates previously unseen in American life. But just when momentum seems to be building in national politics, Chicago seems poised for an abrupt turn back toward the masculine in our mayoral election. While headlines early in the mayoral race focused on the celebrity and youth support behind Amara Enyia or the supposed front-runner status of Cook County Board president Toni Preckwinkle, it seems that in truth Chicago may be on the brink of the reign of yet another Daley.
Gore’s endorsement of Daley would seem a surprise to some. Gore championed Daley’s ability and willingness to be an advocate for environmentalism, while Daley simultaneously received endorsements from the plumbers’ union that was essential in keeping lead service lines in use for years in Chicago after the potential health risks were well-known. Daley may also stand to benefit from his association with Obama. Though the former president is unlikely to endorse him personally, it wouldn’t be shocking if Obama were quietly rooting for Daley given the candidate’s stated opposition to a community benefits agreement for the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center.
