A progressive democrat, Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson wins Chicago Mayoral race, defeating centrist Paul Vallas, according to The Associated Press. Johnson will replace Mayor Lori Lightfoot as the next executive of the city.
Brandon Johnson Wins Chicago Mayoral Race
Johnson and Vallas became the two top vote-getters during the initial election on February 28, which included Lightfoot and eight other candidates, leading to the runoff election. Voters had to choose between two starkly different Democratic challengers, highlighting the polarization of the political landscape in the city. Check out the important topics on which the election was fought and that led to Johnson winning.
Differences in Approach to Public Safety
During the race, Vallas, a former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, campaigned as a tough-on-crime candidate, calling for increased presence of the police in the city, while Johnson took a more initiatives which are directly oriented approach to the issue of public safety. Johnson advocated for doubling youth employment in the city to more than 60,000 summer jobs and creating an Office of Community Safety, as well as the promotion and hiring of 200 more police detectives.
Support for Defend the Police
Brandon Johnson, a former teacher and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, had to defend his previous comments expressing support for the movement “defend the police”, after the murder of George Floyd, which gained prominence. During the course of the race, Johnson clarified that he would not defund the police when pressed on his position during debates.
Personal Politics and Endorsements
Vallas had to defend his personal politics as Johnson and Lightfoot painted him as a Republican in disguise. He was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, whose president is a supporter of former President Trump, and has taken jabs at high-profile Democrats, including former President Obama and President Biden, according to Politico. Vallas argued that he’s been a “lifelong Democrat” and has previously run as a Democrat in past elections, including as former Gov. Pat Quinn’s running mate.
Concession Speech and Call for Unity
Speaking to supporters, Vallas conceded the election to Johnson, saying he expects him to be the next mayor of Chicago. He urged supporters to come together and use the opportunity to unite the city. The issue of crime and public safety weighed heavily on Chicago voters in the election, with the city still grappling with higher levels of crime compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chicago mayoral runoff election between Johnson and Vallas highlighted the divergent paths of the Democratic party, with Brandon Johnson representing the progressive wing of the party and Vallas the more centrist side. The election also reflected the challenges facing the city, particularly in the areas of public safety and crime reduction.
