The election saw incumbent Edward J. Kelly being reelected to a third term, defeating Republican nominee George B. McKibbin with a 9% margin of victory.

[1] Reform-oriented Democrats supported a challenge by alderman John S. Boyle to incumbent mayor Edward J.

Confident in his chances of victory, Kelly flaunted heavy gravitas and balked at the thought of campaigning.

Like other Republicans that had run against Kelly, McKibbin framed his campaign as a crusade against machine politics]].

[10] Democratic Party detractors alleged that McKibbin had signed his name to a covenant prohibiting Black tenants from occupying housing.

[12][13] Kelly performed strongly on much of the city's West Side and in other areas where the Cook County Democratic Party organization was best-organized.

Additionally, McKibbin outperformed Kelly in the 47th ward, where he received his highest vote total.

[12] McKibbin performed strongly in former Republican strongholds on the city's South and North sides.

He also performed strongly against Kelly in the South Side's Hyde Park, Englewood, and Beverly Hills neighborhoods.

[12] In the coinciding runoff elections for Chicago City Council, the Republican Party saw gains.