1971 Chicago mayoral election
In the Chicago mayoral election of 1971, Richard J. Daley was elected to a fifth term as mayor, defeating Republican Richard Friedman by a landslide 40% margin. In winning his fifth mayoral election, Daley tied the record set by both Carter Harrison Sr. and Carter Harrison Jr. for the most Chicago mayoral election victories. He also became the first individual elected to five "consecutive" terms as Mayor of Chicago. Daley faced weak opposition in the election, with no serious challengers arising. This was the final Chicago mayoral election to be held before the ratification of the  Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Thus, it was the final Chicago mayoral election in which the voting age was 21. Nominations. Democratic primary. In December 1970, Daley put an end to speculation as to whether he'd seek reelection by announcing that he would seek a fifth term. Daley won the Democratic primary. Republican primary. Attorney Richard Friedman won the Republican nomination. The Republican Party had hoped that Friedman, a reformist, would be able to build a coalition of Republicans and independents that could prove a strong challenge  to Daley. General election. Politically Friedman was to the left of Daley, being more liberal. Friedman had sought to run an anti-machine campaign attracting reform Democrats, Republicans, and black voters. He ultimately failed to do this.