Chicago's Ward Races: Upsets and Victories for Clay, Lee, and Manaa-Hoppenworth

Angela Clay, a community organizer and Uptown native, won the race to become the next 46th Ward alderperson in Chicago's City Council, defeating challenger Kim Walz. Clay will replace retiring Ald. James Cappleman. Despite outside groups spending $250,000 opposing her candidacy, Clay held 56% of the vote to Walz's 44%. The 46th Ward race was closely watched and heavily influenced by prominent politicians, unions, and special interest groups. The election also pitted Chicago's centrist Democrats against its more progressive wing. The campaign contribution limits were lifted by the state after outside groups spent more than $100,000 on the race.