Chicago mayoral race: Lottery held to determine order for candidates challenging Mayor Lightfoot

Ja’Mal Green claims top spot, followed by Sophia King, Kam Buckner, Willie Wilson , Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ballot for the race for Chicago mayor took shape Tuesday morning.

The top spot on the ballot went to Ja’Mal Green, but that could change if the challenge to his petition signatures is successful and he gets knocked off the ballot.

Other candidates also face challenges, meaning the final ballot could look different come February 28.

The current ballot order is:

Ja’Mal Green

Sophia King

Kam Buckner

Willie Wilson

Brandon Johnson

Paul Vallas

Lori Lightfoot

Frederick Collins

Johnny Logalbo

Roderick Sawyer

Jesus “Chuy”Garcia

The first six were in the lottery drawing held Tuesday morning, with the top spot traditionally considered beneficial, although there is no scientific evidence to prove that.

The candidates tried to downplay the significance of the drawing, but if Green gets knocked off the ballot, King has the most to gain

“I’m number two and things can happen and you can move up to #1, so I’m excited,” King said.

“I think people are going to find the person who they resonate with no matter where you are on the ballot, but it’s helpful to be at the top, I believe and we’ll see how that all plays out,” Buckner said.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot among candidates filing last-minute petitions for Chicago mayoral election

“At the end for the day, if you place first, it gets some of the campaign staff excited, but at the end of the day it really doesn’t mean much,” Vallas said.

“Well, I think my name is already out there, and people are going to search for who they want to vote for,” Wilson said.

Ja’Mal Green was not at the drawing, but his campaign manager called winning the top spot a dream come true for Green.

Green, Wilson, Sawyer, Collins and Logalbo are all facing petition challengers, which could impact the candidates on the final ballot. Hearings on those challenges will take place over the next two months.