SOUTH SHORE — Ald. Natashia Holmes is headed into a runoff election, likely against Gregory Mitchell in April in the 7th Ward.
Holmes, appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to fill the 7th Ward seat Sandi Jackson left in 2013, had 25 percent of the vote with 98 percent of the precincts reporting.
“To get 50 percent plus one was going to be difficult with such a fractured ward,” Holmes said. “What it does show is that I spent a lot of time trying to bring the ward together.”
Holmes' campaign workers at her 2506 E. 79th St. headquarters were quietly optimistic as results trickled in, but grew more optimistic as campaign staff returned from the farther reaches of the ward in South Shore and South Chicago.
Gregory Mitchell was in second with 20 percent of the vote.
Keiana Barrett, who many had predicted would make it to the runoff because of her role as Jackson’s former chief of staff, finished third in the race.
The 7th Ward was one of the most crowded races in the city, originally pitting 15 candidates against each other until seven were knocked off the ballot.
Holmes said she was looking forward to facing a less crowded field.
“It gives the voters a chance to really see what each candidate is about,” Holmes said.
The runoff between the top two candidates is April 7.
Check out our full 2015 Aldermanic Election guide for more info on the candidates in this and other ward races.
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