Paul Vallas Announces Plans To Make A Second Run For Chicago Mayor

CHICAGO — Paul Vallas tossed his name in the increasingly crowded mayoral race Wednesday.

The former Chicago Public Schools chief made his rumored run for mayor official with a YouTube video that said a great city can fall when "people in power are too incompetent, combatant or corrupt" to tackle its troubles.

"Chicago Public Schools aren't putting students first. Lead in our water is poisoning children. Sky-high property taxes are driving people out of their homes. Violent crime is rampant. Chicago is burning," Vallas said.

In 2019, Vallas finished in 9th place with 5.4 percent of the vote. He endorsed Lightfoot in her successful run-off victory, but has since become one of her most vocal critics on the city's budget, response to street violence and learning conditions at city schools.

He joins Ald. Raymond Lopez, state Rep. Kam Buckner, businessman Willie Wilson and police union boss John Catanzara in announcing plans to run against Lightfoot, who is expected to announce re-election plans soon.

"I can't stand seeing our city like this, but no matter how bleak things might seem, Chicagoans will never give up on the city we love; not ever, Vallas said in the campaign video.

"When I'm mayor, police officers will be allowed to do their jobs and arrest law-breakers. Tourists, commuters, and residents will no longer fear coming downtown. Every child will have access to a high-quality education, no much how their parents make or which neighborhood they live in. Chicago will once again be the city that works."

The mayoral election is set for February 2023.