A conservative PAC backing Darren Bailey recently released an ad in which they significantly darkened my skin. Why? To lean into racist troupes about Black Chicago in an attempt to scare folks.

News flash: I'm Black, and I'm proud of it. Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. It's part of what makes us — and our food, art, and culture — great. We don't need to apologize for our Blackness, but this PAC should be ashamed of their transparent dog-whistle tactics. 

A leader should address the root causes of violence and find solutions that bring us together — not spread divisive and hateful rhetoric. Darren Bailey and those who support him have made it clear where their priorities lie.

My end-of-month fundraising deadline is two days away. Will you help my reelection campaign hit our goal by chipping in — so we can keep bringing real solutions home to Chicago?

— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot