The crowd was subdued ahead of Ed Tivador’s announcement Tuesday night that he would not be representing Evanston’s 1st Ward as alderman.
Tivador, who serves as superintendent for the Northbrook/Glenview School District, addressed supporters following his loss to incumbent Judy Fiske.
“Folks, the numbers look like right now that I will not be the next 1st Ward alderman,” he said.
His concession was met with boos and there was more than one supporter with tears in their eyes, evidence of the fervent support in the room. About 40 people attended Tivador’s election night event at World of Beer on Sherman Avenue.
“I think he was highly qualified,” said J.N. Pritzker, who lives in the 1st Ward. “Evanston’s primary industry is education … This man has a proven track record of success. We’re lucky he chose to have us.”
Tivador thanked his family, supporters and staff, calling the last four months “the most amazing learning experience.”
Tivador said he was proud of the race he ran.
“We said we were going to be honest this, clean about this,” he said. “We were going to talk about the issues and the facts and we did.”
He also said that although the race did not end as he had hoped, he would continue fighting for the city of Evanston.
“For the record, I ain’t going anywhere,” he said, “We’re going back.”