UPTOWN — Former candidate Denice Davis has endorsed Amy Crawford in the 46th ward runoff election, Crawford's camp announced in a news release late Tuesday.
Davis ran in the 46th ward general election, but won 15.5 percent of the votes, leaving the top two vote-getters, Ald. James Cappleman and Crawford, to square off in a runoff April 7.
"I'm endorsing Amy because she will be a strong leader for the 46th ward and an independent voice on City Council," Davis said in a release. "While we disagree on some issues, I'm convinced that progressives will be able to work with her on getting an elected school board, reducing crime in our neighborhood and achieving a balanced approach to economic development."
Davis called Cappleman a "failure on all of these issues," saying he has "demonstrated that he has no interest in working with progressives in our community."
Cappleman could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.
The alderman, who has served one term, was forced into a runoff because he failed to secure a majority vote during the general election Feb 24.
According to the latest unofficial election results, Cappleman won 46.8 percent of the votes to Crawford's 37.6 percent. Davis won 15.5 percent.
Cappleman's challengers won 53.1 percent of the votes combined, which Crawford's camp called a "strong repudiation of the first-term incumbent's failure to bring down crime and inability to attract businesses to the ward."
Crawford said she was "honored and grateful" to receive Davis' endorsement.
"She has contributed a great deal to our ward over decades of engagement on behalf of all residents, especially youth and those in need," Crawford said of Davis.
"I would be honored to have the support of those who voted for Denice in the general election."
In a February debate, Davis criticized Crawford, saying she has not been as involved in community issues.
Davis, who served as longtime Uptown alderman Helen Shiller's chief of staff, said she's fought against school closings, unwanted developments and the shuttering of single-room occupancy buildings.
"I didn't see Amy there," Davis said during the debate.
The runoff election will be held April 7. Regardless of whether a voter cast a ballot in the Feb. 24 election, one can vote in the runoff election.
While Tuesday was the last day to register online, you can register in-person through April 4. For more information, check out DNAinfo Chicago's trusty guide to voting in a runoff.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
