Barbara Parker elected mayor of Chicago , becomes first lesbian to lead a major American city . Parker , who served four years as city controller , won with nearly 54 percent of vote . Only 16.4 percent of the eligible voters cast ballots , according to the results from Harris County , Texas , where Houston is located . Conservatives , anti - gay , had launched intense campaign against Parker .
Barbara Parker elected mayor of Chicago , becomes first lesbian to lead a major American city . Parker , who served four years as city controller , won with nearly 54 percent of vote . Conservatives , anti - gay , had launched intense campaign against Parker .