Brandon Johnson will be Chicago's new mayor after voters selected him over centrist Paul Vallas on Tuesday, ushering in a wave of progressive policies for the city that he says will be for "all the people."
Johnson defeated Vallas, 51.42% to 48.58%. He will become the fourth black mayor of Chicago, taking over the mantle from Lori Lightfoot, who was ousted during the Feb. 28 general election. Lightfoot was elected the city's first black female mayor in 2019.
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Johnson said during his victory speech that he wanted to work with and hear from all people, including those who did not vote for him.
"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," he said.
Johnson also thanked all of his endorsements, including the Chicago Teachers Union, which endorsed him and, along with affiliates, provided millions of dollars to his campaign.
"Chicago, tonight is just the beginning," he noted. "With our voices and our votes, we have ushered in a new chapter in the history of our city."
"Tonight is a gateway to a new future for our city," he continued. "A city that's truly safer for everyone by investing in what actually works to prevent crime."
Johnson ran on a more progressive campaign platform than Vallas, supporting comprehensive reform within the criminal justice system. He plans to focus on education, mental health, youth employment, and creating affordable housing, along with promoting detectives to combat the city's rising crime rates.
The win is significant for the Chicago Teachers Union, which has spent over a decade attempting to break into citywide politics and advocate on behalf of the city's children, particularly for increased mental health support. Johnson's campaign benefited heavily from the educational movement created in opposition to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel's decision to close half of the city's public mental health clinics and 50 schools across Chicago.
Stacy Davis Gates, the Chicago Teachers Union's president, spoke at Johnson's victory rally, praising voters for choosing "love and unity."
"Tonight, Chicago chose hope over fear. Tonight, you chose a city where everyone gets a seat. Tonight, you chose a city where there are charter and public schools," Davis Gates said, pointing to Vallas's support of charter schools. "You chose a city where teachers and cops can live in the same neighborhood."
Citywide voter turnout hit 35.19% in the runoff election with a total of 558,547 ballots cast, including mail-in and early voting ballots. It hit just below turnout for the general election, which ended with 36% voter turnout.
The largest voting age demographic was voters aged 55-64, placing 97,708 ballots or 18.42% of ballots cast. The lowest numbers came from young voters aged 18-24, placing 20,989 ballots or 3.96% of ballots cast.
Another 91,838 mail-in ballots have yet to be returned, Chicago Board of Elections Public Information Director Max Bever told the Washington Examiner, but he expected only 45,000 to be valid for counting. The elections board will not likely call the results until around April 20, Bever said.
Vallas conceded to Johnson on Tuesday night, saying that it was clear from the results the city was "deeply divided."
"Even though, of course, we believe every vote should be counted, I called Brandon Johnson and told him that I absolutely expect him to be the next mayor of Chicago," Vallas said during his concession speech.
Vallas ran a more conservative campaign despite calling himself a "lifelong Democrat." While he offered appealing views on stricter policing and bringing former officers back to rejoin the police force, it proved difficult for him to overcome criticism relating to his endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police. The union's president has been severely scrutinized for his comments on the COVID-19 pandemic and his support of politicians such as former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
He also received backlash from opponents and critics who blasted him for stressing the importance of standardized test scores. He was frequently asked to defend the way he dealt with the Chicago Public Schools' pension payments and expanding for school privatization, as well as his work in New Orleans and Philadelphia.
"The only pathway forward in our city is together. The solutions we adopt and implement must work for all Chicagoans," Vallas said.
"It's time for all Chicagoans to put aside their differences and to work together to support the daunting work ahead for Chicago's next mayor," he continued.
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Lightfoot released a statement on Tuesday night offering support to Johnson as he steps into the mayor's office. She had not endorsed either candidate but said in her concession speech in February she had congratulated both of them on their wins.
"It is time for all of us as Chicagoans, regardless of our ZIP code or neighborhood, our race or ethnicity, the creator we worship, or who we love, to come together and recommit ourselves to uniting around our shared present and future. My entire team and I stand ready to collaborate throughout the transition period," Lightfoot said.
Original Location: Chicago mayoral race: Johnson will be mayor 'for all the people' after defeating Vallas in runoff
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