Chicago has elected its first black woman mayor - and she's gay

Lori Lightfoot has become the first openly gay mayor of America's third largest city.

Lori Lightfoot kisses her wife Amy following her victory speech. Source: Getty Images North America

Chicago has made history, electing its first every black woman as mayor.

Lori Lightfoot, an openly gay former federal prosecutor, was inspired to run for office after the shooting of local man Laquan McDonald by a white police officer. Feeling that the city's response to the incident was insufficient, Lightfoot signed on as President of the newly formed Chicago Police Accountability Task Force, eventually producing a report which accused the Chicago Police Department of systemic racism.

When Emmanuel announced that he wouldn't be seeking another term as Mayor of Chicago, Lightfoot stepped up to the plate - emerging victorious against fellow candidate Toni Preckwinkle.

Among those to congratulate Lightfoot were President Barrack Obama, who tweeted: "Great to see Chicago’s historic mayoral race between two highly qualified candidates. Congrats to our next mayor, Lori Lightfoot - and Toni Preckwinkle campaigned hard and did us proud."

He added: "I know that with our city’s heart and Lori’s leadership, Chicago’s best days are still ahead."

Ellen DeGeneres also took to social media to celebrate the news, writing: "Yesterday, Chicago elected their first black female mayor. She also happens to be gay. Amazing, Chicago. Congrats, Lori Lightfoot."

Kissing her wife, Amy Eshleman, before addressing the crowd of supporters, Lightfoot said: “Today, you did more than make history. You created a movement for change.”