Mayoral candidate and Austin Chamber of Commerce leader Amara Enyia has dropped out of the race and has endorsed Ald. Bob Fioretti.
Enyia made the announcement Wednesday. In a statement released to the media, she said Fioretti is better positioned to make the case against Mayor Emanuel’s tenure in office.
“Under Rahm Emanuel, our city has been headed in the wrong direction. For more than two years, I have been calling for an education system that works for our children, a more fair distribution of resources, more open and responsive government, and many other ideas that would make Chicago a city that works for all of its citizens.
“My vision for Chicago is one that is now shared by people from Rogers Park to SouthShore, from the Lakefront to the edge of the West Side and in between. My platform has resonated with everyday people who are looking for a different kind of leadership. 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 said.
The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Enyia, 31, is executive director of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. She entered the race last spring and made her announcement to withdraw Wednesday morning outside City Hall, joined by Fioretti, alderman of the city’s 2nd Ward.
Enyia said she and Fioretti have a shared vision of a united Chicago.
“Bob has always shown his dedication to everyday residents as a civil rights attorney and with his continued fight against policies that do not work for the people of this city,” she said in her statement. “Bob has shown a consistent commitment to communities of color throughout Chicago, and demonstrated to me that our trust will be well placed in him as our next mayor. I call on all of my supporters to join me in electing him.”
Fioretti said her endorsement will add a boost of youth support to his campaign.
According to a recent poll conducted by news outlet N’Digo of roughly 500 respondents, Fioretti garnered the most support in the current 10-candidate field. When asked whom would you vote for if the mayoral race was held today, the alderman received 31 percent, with Enyia second with 23 percent. The mayor came in forth behind Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (15.28 percent), with a roughly 13 percent.
