A frail and soft spoken Karen Lewis, sent taped a video message to her supporters, Friday.
The Chicago Teacher's Union president was considered a strong candidate to challenge Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2015 municipal elections before an emergency brain illness forced her to change her plans.
Lewis won't run for mayor, but she's supporting someone who is. She says in her message:
"While I've decided not to run for mayor, I am convinced that this city is headed in the wrong direction," she said. "Working families, Downtown, all over, small businessmen, entrepreneurs need real leadership that is accountable and accessible.
Chicago needs a mayor who has the moral courage to do what's right for all of the city. That's why I'm throwing my full support behind Jesus "Chuy" Garcia."
Garcia, a former alderman, state senator and current Cook County Commission launched a mayoral run on Monday, to fill the role that Lewis was heading toward: representing the progressive movent in the city election.
“People in this town are hurting as it relates to the direction of the city,” he said Monday when asked what’s wrong with Emanuel.
Local
The 58-year-old politician and activist says he decided to run after CTU president Karen Lewis’ announcement to end a run due to health issues.
The admiration is mutual between Garcia and Lewis.
"Chuy is a committed and effective public servant and has been for the last 30 years. Chuy is a consensus builder and a man of the people. If he is elected as our mayor, I know he will work for all of our citizens, not just the corporate elites and special interests who seek to privatize our public assets. Chuy is the right leader for the right time to move our city forward. South Side, west side, North side, everybody: Lets support the bigger man."
Lewis may be bowing out of the mayoral race as a candidate, but she's not withdrawing from the process. Expect more from Lewis in the politcal arena soon.
