Enyia dropping out of mayoral race, endorsing Fioretti

By Brian Slodysko | Sun-Times

The crowded race to become Chicago’s mayor is about to get a teensy bit smaller.

Amara Enyia, the West Side activist who was one of the first to challenge Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is expected to drop out of the race and endorse Ald. Bob Fioretti at a City Hall press conference this morning.

That leaves nine candidates still in the running for Emanuel’s job.

“My vision for Chicago … has resonated with everyday people who are looking for a different kind of leadership,” Enyia said in a statement. “However, it has become clear that Alderman Fioretti is better positioned to carry this message forward. Therefore, I am withdrawing from the race and am endorsing Bob for Mayor of Chicago and will work vigorously on his behalf.”

Enyia, who lives in East Garfield Park, said her campaign petitions had recently been challenged. Instead of fighting a legal battle with limited resources, she decided to endorse Fioretti instead.

But the longshot candidate offered some harsh words for those who filed the challenge — people she insists were working as proxies for fellow candidate Willie Wilson. Wilson did not respond to a voicemail requesting comment.

“Challenging petitions oppresses democracy,” Enyia said. “It’s not in the interest of the people. … The people should decide who their representative should be.

“But the bigger issue is making sure the city has the right kind of leadership. That message still needs to get out,” Enyia said.

Fioretti praised Enyia in a statement.

“Amara is a woman of commitment and of action who cares deeply about Chicago. Her presence in this race is testament to the widespread understanding that we need a change at City Hall; that we need a mayor who embraces all of our city and all of its people,” Fioretti said in the statement. “I am happy to have her support in this campaign.”