Attorney General Lisa Madiganon Wednesdaydefinitively ruled out running for mayor of Chicago, becoming the first major potential candidate to do so following Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s decision not to seek re-election.
It was Madigan who surprised the state political world one year ago by announcing she would not seek a fifth term.
Her availability for a mayoral run heightened speculation in political circles that she would join the race. She has $2.2 million in her campaign coffers.
But in a statement issued Wednesday evening, Madigan was clear she has no intention of joining the crowded field of candidates.
“I am a lifelong resident of Chicago. I care deeply for the city. There are a lot of challenges facing Chicago, and I plan to continue helping as a resident and not as mayor,” she said.
RELATED
• Rahm’s out — Here’s the latest list of candidates for Chicago mayor
• Rahm Emanuel not seeking re-election as mayor of Chicago
• What Chicagoans really think about Rahm: ‘I’m glad to see him go’
• READ: Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s statement
• Elected officials, hopefuls react to Emanuel’s decision not to seek re-election
• As petitions hit the streets, Emanuel nearing point-of-no-return on third term