LORI LIGHTFOOT made history yesterday as she was elected mayor of Chicago on Tuesday, becoming the first black woman to hold the post.

The openly gay former federal prosecutor saw off competition from 13 other candidates, sweeping to victory with a stunning 74 per cent of the vote in the final run-off.

“Out there tonight a lot of little girls and boys are watching. They’re watching us. And they’re seeing the beginning of something, well, a little bit different,” Ms Lightfoot said as she took to the stage with her wife and daughter.

It is the first time the Democrat has held political office, starting the race for Chicago as a rank outsider. 

However, her campaign, which focused on ending political corruption and helping poorer families, struck a chord with voters.

“Today you did more than make history, you created a movement for change,” she told supporters.

“Now we’re going to take the next steps together,” Ms Lightfoot said. “Together we can and will finally put the interests of our people, all of our people, against the interests of a powerful few.”

She takes over from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who served as chief of staff under former president Barack Obama.