Alvarez tried to position herself during the race as the tough-on-crime candidate. But the McDonald video, and allegations that the two-term incumbent was too slow to charge police Officer Jason Van Dyke with murder, made the race a referendum on her handling of high-profile prosecutions, particularly when police misconduct is alleged. Alvarez was forced to deal with groups of protesters who turned up at most of her public appearances in the final three months of the campaign to call for her resignation or defeat.