The Skokie mayoral race saw a surprising upset as Ann Tennes, who spent significantly less than her opponent, David "Azi" Lifsics, secured victory. While Lifsics spent nearly $282,000 and secured endorsements from prominent figures, Tennes's campaign focused on her two decades of community involvement and personal connections. She garnered 50.4% of the vote compared to Lifsics' 38%.
Tennes's strategy emphasized direct engagement with residents, holding meetings at local establishments. This approach resonated with voters, who valued her accessibility and long-standing community ties. Political experts suggest that the smaller turnout in off-cycle elections favored a candidate with strong local connections.
Despite Lifsics' substantial spending on mailers and commercials, his campaign couldn't overcome Tennes's established community presence. This outcome highlights that while money plays a role in campaigns, personal connection and community involvement can be decisive factors.
Both Lifsics and Van Dusen, the former mayor who endorsed Lifsics, expressed their support for the newly elected mayor. Tennes emphasized her independent stance, highlighting the recent citizen-initiated referendum that removed local party affiliations from the ballot.