43rd Ward appears headed for a runoff, while 1st Ward Ald. La Spata’s lead may not be enough to avoid a second round there too

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), pictured at a May 2022 City Hall news conference, held a large lead Tuesday night to retain his seat — but could still face a runoff depending on the return of outstanding mail ballots. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)

Ald. Daniel La Spata was maintaining a wide lead in the 1st Ward race Tuesday night but it wasn’t clear if the far left City Council member would be able to prevent a runoff election.

And another North Side incumbent — Ald. Timmy Knudsen, appointed to the 43rd Ward post last year by outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot — also appeared headed to a second round of voting.