Karen Lewis addresses Teachers Union through video at annual dinner

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Karen Lewis says she remains focused and encouraged and she wanted to express her thanks along with appreciation to her supporters, but she used most of her video message to her endorse the man she says is the best candidate to be the next mayor of Chicago.

Friday, at the annual Legislators and Educators Appreciation Dinner, thoughts and prayers were with Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis. She addressed the crowd by video.

Earlier she posted a two-minute video on YouTube expressing gratitude.

The video was her first public statement since having surgery for a brain tumor. The CTU president had been preparing to run for mayor before her diagnosis.

In the video, Lewis offers her endorsement for Jesus Chuy Garcia for mayor. Garcia was also the keynote speaker at the CTU's dinner.

"Chuy is committed and effective public servant, and has been for the last 30 years," Lewis said in her video.

"She has brought us here together, ready to do battle to take back the city," Garcia said of Lewis. "Vive la Karen Lewis."

Also running for mayor is 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti. On Friday, his spokesperson touted Fioretti as the only candidate that believes in an elected school board. Mayor Emaunel's office has not commented.