Cappleman Thanks 46th Ward After Holding Onto Seat By 25 Votes

CHICAGO — Ald. James Cappleman has secured a third term in the 46th Ward, according to unofficial election results, which show he led against Marianne Lalonde by a mere 25 votes. All mail-in ballots have now been counted, but official results will be certified Wednesday by the Chicago Board of Elections.

Lalonde, who secured 49.89% of the vote total, is expected to challenge the results; however Cappleman issued a letter of thanks Wednesday to residents.

"This 46th Ward election should erase all doubt about how important it is to vote to have your voice heard," the alderman said in his letter. "I am honored to be your alderman for another 4 years and I owe this win to all those many people who believed in a vision that involves us working together to move this ward forward for the benefit of everyone."

The alderman also thanked those he ran against.

"It’s a true testament that we are a community that believes in community involvement and public service. There will be plenty of tough obstacles that will come our way in the next 4 years, but I’m convinced now more than ever that we can meet them with both grace and strength."

Four other candidates were trying to unseat Cappleman in the Feb. 26 municipal election, but Lalonde came in second with 18.1 percent. Cappleman won 44.1 percent of the vote in February, sending them both into the April 2 runoff election.

Early vote totals on April 2 showed Cappleman in the lead with 50.09% of the votes, and candidate Marianne Lalonde with 49.91% — a difference of only 23 votes. With mail-in votes still trickling in, it was early to call the race.

A former social worker, Cappleman was elected 46th Ward alderman in 2011, and some of his top priorities over the past eight years have included LGBTQ advocacy, boosting local business, the renovation of CTA's Wilson Station and the Uptown Theatre rehabilitation.

The 46th Ward includes parts of Lake View, Sheridan Park, Buena Park and Uptown.