In April, Peoria could elect its first woman and Afrcan American mayor. | Stock Photo
In April, Peoria could elect its first woman and Afrcan American mayor. | Stock Photo
Peoria could make history in April with two firsts: electing its first woman and first African American as mayor.
Voters in April will choose between Rita Ali and Jim Montelongo for mayor.
They were the top two vote-getters in the Feb. 23 primary, 25 News reported.
Ali led the ballot with 4,607 votes or 38.8%, 25 News reported. Montelongo was second 2,839 votes or 23.9%. If Ali wins in April, she would be both the first woman and first African American to be mayor of Peoria.
“We’re excited about [what] we achieved today,” Ali told 25 News. “To even think the possibility that a woman and a person of color after 54 mayors and village presidents could Peoria’s mayor is pretty exciting.”
Five candidates were on the ballot on Feb. 23.
Sid Ruckriegel received 2,226 votes or 19%, Chama St. Louis had 1,071 votes and Andres Diaz garnered 1,054 votes.
Alerts Sign-up