A crowd of supporters of Willie Wilson’s filled the lower-level ballroom of the Swissotel, 343 E. North Upper Wacker Drive, Feb. 24 awaiting returns in the race for Chicago Mayor.

As the night advanced, more and more supporters showed up to eagerly await the results despite Wilson’s numbers staying fairly stagnant throughout the evening. Positive buzz picked up after candidate Bob Fioretti conceded. However, Wilson remained at 10 percent of the votes.

The Extreme Dance Ministry performed dance numbers to gospel music and the SINGSATION band, a group derived from Wilson’s gospel show, played jazz tunes as entertainment for guests while they mingled and grabbed drinks at the three bars.

The night came to a close as polls continued to show Rahm Emanuel at 46 percent of the vote and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia at 33 percent. Wilson took the podium to thank his supporters at 9:15 p.m. after speeches by Gregory Livingston, Wilson’s campaign manager, and Congressman Donny Davis of the seventh district, to thank his supporters. 

The crowd cheered and chanted his name as he gave his final speech but booed after he congratulated Emanuel and Garcia, who will take part in a runoff election April 7. 

“I know Chicago a lot better today than I did yesterday,” Wilson said, vowing to stay in politics for the future.