Chicago’s New Mayor

On April 4, 2023, a runoff election was held in Chicago, Illinois, to choose the city’s next mayor. By the end of the night, Democrat Brandon Johnson had beaten Democrat Paul Vallas by less than five percent of the vote. Here, Election Central takes a closer look at this Illinois election result. 

The Road to the Runoff 

Johnson, a former public school teacher and union organizer, began his career in politics as the Cook County Commissioner. A county commissioner is elected to serve the needs of a county’s residents and to meet state and federal regulations. Johnson was critical of then Mayor Lori Lightfoot for the way she handled the two-week-long 2019 Chicago Public Schools strike. Johnson eventually decided to run for mayor himself and began his campaign in October 2022. 

In the nonpartisan general election on February 28, 2023, Paul Vallas (the former Chief Executive Officer, or CEO of Chicago Public Schools) finished first and Johnson finished second. Lightfoot, the incumbent, was a distant third. But because Vallas didn’t receive more than fifty percent of the vote, the two leading candidates faced each other again in a runoff election this month.  

A Second Chance 

Johnson’s campaign platform focused on fully funded public schools, affordable housing, green jobs, widespread access to mental health care, and addressing violence and poverty in the city. It also included $800 million in new taxes on the wealthiest citizens of Chicago. Johnson stated that he would address crime and violence in Chicago by working with the police to put more money towards community-based programs. These programs would try to address the social issues that can contribute to crime rates—income inequality, mental health problems, and fewer opportunities for youth employment. To do this, Johnson plans to re-direct some police funding to fund these community programs. This put him at odds with the Fraternal Order of Police—the police union organization. 

Johnson also criticized his runoff opponent, Paul Vallas, for things Vallas said against the Democratic Party and against former President Barack Obama. However, Vallas was endorsed by twenty-two Chicago City Council members. Vallas was also endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police. Meanwhile, Johnson was endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union and several other labor unions. At times, the race seemed to be a battle of the teacher’s union against the police union. The teacher’s union contributed money and volunteer time to Johnson’s campaign. The police union invested its money and volunteers behind Vallas.  

What Happens Next? 

After Johnson won the election, Vallas pledged in his concession speech to give Johnson his full support and to build unity in the city. Vallas said he will do whatever he can to help aid Johnson’s transition into office. Johnson promised to represent and work hard for everyone, including Chicagoans who didn’t vote for him. Johnson’s inauguration is set for Monday, May 15. In the meantime, his focus will likely be on assembling a transition team.  

What Do You Think? Use internet resources to make a list of the top five issues facing Chicago today. In your opinion, what should the new mayor focus on?