Johnson Wins Chicago Mayoral Race in Progressive Takeover of City Politics
Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson speaks after winning the race for Chicago Mayor Tuesday night. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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After decades of rule from establishment or moderate Democrats, Chicago voters made a dramatic turn leftward Tuesday night, electing progressive firebrand Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson as the city’s 57th Mayor.
With 100% of precincts reporting, Johnson led former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas 51.4% to 48.6%. Johnson had 286,657 votes compared to Vallas’ 270,775.
The Associated Press declared Johnson the winner around 9:30 P.M. and Vallas conceded shortly after, even with tens of thousands of late arriving mail in ballots outstanding.
“To the Chicagoans who did not vote for me, here’s what I want you to know: That I care about you. I value you and I want to hear from you. I want to work with you. And I’ll be the mayor for you, too. Because this campaign has always been about building a better, stronger, safer Chicago for all the people of Chicago,” Johnson told a roaring crowd in a near south side hotel ballroom.
“I called Brandon Johnson and told him that I absolutely expect him to be the next mayor of Chicago,” Vallas said in conceding the race.
Johnson overcame criticisms of his previous statements in support of the “defund the police” movement, which he attempted to back away from over the bruising five week runoff to lead the city.
“Tonight is the beginning of a Chicago that truly invests in all of its people,” Johnson said. “We will not allow the politics of old to turn us around. We don’t have to choose between rich and poor, old and young. We don’t have to choose between toughness and compassion. If tonight is proof of anything, it’s that false choices don’t serve Chicago any longer.”
Johnson was essentially bankrolled by public sector unions, mainly the Chicago Teachers Union, leading to concerns from critics he won’t be able to negotiate with the powerful union to turn around the underperforming school district.
Vallas had hoped to peel away support from Johnson among older Black voters with an anti-crime message, earning the endorsements of former Secretary of State Jesse White, former Congressman Bobby Rush, and at least seven current and former Black Aldermen. But, in unofficial results, Johnson cleared 75% in numerous Black-majority wards.
Johnson will be sworn in as Mayor on May 15.