Cook County state's attorney-elect Alvarez was victorious by a wide margin, defeating Republican candidate Tony Peraica and Green Party candidate Thomas O'Brien.
On December 1, Alvarez will be sworn in, taking over the nation's second-largest prosecutorial office. Alvarez a seasoned prosecutor with 22 years experience has a reputation of being a hard worker and tough on criminals.
"It feels great to be in this position. I'm very happy for the campaigning part to be over, so I can get back to work and do some of the things I want to do," Alvarez said.
Forty-eight-year-old Alvarez made history by winning her bid to become Cook County state's attorney. Alvarez is the first female, Latina and career prosecutor to hold this position. Just hours after her victory celebration, Alvarez stopped at Daley Plaza to thank and greet her supporters.
The wife and mother grew up in Pilsen. She says she never dreamed this day would happen.
"I want to thank all of you who are here tonight, all of you for coming here to share this wonderful evening here with me," Alvarez said.
On Wednesday, she addressed some of the changes she would like to make and what she wants to focus on.
"Anything is possible. And I never thought I would be standing here in this position," Alvarez said.
On Tuesday night at her victory celebration, Alvarez announced there is a new state's attorney in town and she is ready to roll up her sleeves and get down to business.
"The violence, gun violence, I see some concrete ideas for gun legislation. And we've seen violence, particularly this month," she said.
Alvarez went on to say that she is interested in attacking domestic violence and improving the 911 system. She is also concerned about mortgage fraud and ways to deal with it. Alvarez added that she would like to set up satellite offices in order to gain the trust and improve the relationship between law enforcement and communities . Alvarez says her mission is to fight the ever increasing crime plaguing our county and city.
