Lightfoot facing criticism for comments made against opponents at campaign event

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot is facing criticism from her opponents for a comment she made at a campaign event on Saturday.

According to a video from the event posted to social media, the mayor told an audience:

"Any vote coming from the South Side for somebody not named Lightfoot is a vote for Chuy Garcia or Paul Vallas. If you want them controlling your fate and your destiny, then stay home. Then don't vote."

Representative Chuy Garcia responded on Twitter writing:

"This is disqualifying rhetoric for anyone hoping to lead a Chicago that is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic city. We need unity not division."

There has been no response from Paul Vallas' campaign as of yet.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Lightfoot says:

"The Mayor urges every Chicagoan to exercise their rights and get out to vote. The stakes of this election are high, and Chicagoans should take action to make sure we keep moving forward on the economic progress she's led on the South and West Sides, raising the minimum wage to $15, and investments in public safety and affordable housing."