The Chicago mayoral election was a close race. Political analysts agree that the major battle was not so much the final election as the Democratic primaries leading up to it. Chicago was a Democratic city, and whoever won the Democratic nomination was all but assured of winning the mayor's office. Although black candidates had run for mayor before, including Washington himself, none had succeeded. However, in close, hard-fought races for first the Democratic nomination and then the final election, Washington became the first black mayor of Chicago.

In his acceptance speech on April 12, 1983, Washington emphasized three important ideas: the unity and diversity of the coalition that had brought him into power, the necessity of revitalizing and rebuilding the city of Chicago, and the desirability of working together to achieve common goals.

In his speech, Washington alludes to the support of blacks, whites, and other ethnicities necessary to win the election when he says,

Out of the crucible of this city's most trying election, carried on the tide of the most massive voter turnout in Chicago's history, blacks, whites, Hispanics, Jews, gentiles, Protestant and Catholic of all stripes have joined hands to form a new democratic coalition.

He acknowledges that, in a city as large as Chicago, not everyone supported his election, but he stresses his determination to use his victory to improve the city. He says,

We intend to revitalize and rebuild this city. To open its doors and be certain that its babies are healthy and its old people are fed and well-housed. We intend that our city will grow again and bring prosperity to all of its citizens.

Washington thanks his supporters and reaches out to all the city's citizens in common cause.

I charge each and every one of you to rededicate your efforts to heal the divisions that have plagued us. Each of us much reach out in open arms. Together we will overcome our problems and restore Chicago to its proper position as one of the most dynamic cities in all the world.