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CHICAGO The Rev. Al Sharpton is coming here Sunday to lead whats expected to be a massive get-out-the-vote rally less than 10 days before a heated mayors election, making him the latest high-profile figure to get involved in a contest thats increasingly becoming nationalized.

Sharpton told NBC News he was not endorsing a candidate in the race where crime has become the central issue in a city facing a public safety crisis.

The two candidates competing in the April 4 runoff are Chicago Teachers Union-backed Brandon Johnson and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas.

Im doing a GOTV rally on Sunday in Chicago. Both candidates are invited, said Sharpton, who is also an MSNBC host. Sharpton said some thought Vallas wouldnt come to the rally, which is being held at New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church.

He should come. Im interested in turnout, Sharpton said of Vallas.

A spokesperson for Vallas said the campaign wasnt aware of any invitation involving a Sharpton event. A member of Johnsons campaign team indicated Johnson would attend.

While Sharpton has said hes not endorsing in the race, his mere presence at a church where the pastor has backed Johnson is tantamount to an endorsement and rally for Johnson.

We are very excited to have the reverend come to Chicago to help boost GOTV efforts, said Bill Neidhardt, a Johnson campaign adviser. We have had many insightful and inspirational conversations with the reverend in the last few months.

Johnson has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. No members of Congress have endorsed Vallas.

Natasha Korecki is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

Jonathan Allen contributed.

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Al Sharpton to lead GOTV rally ahead of Chicago mayoral election - NBC News