Brandon Johnson

Johnson was born in Elgin, Illinois. He was one of ten children born to Andrew and Wilma Jean Johnson. Johnson grew up in Elgin. His father was a pastor and his parents were occasional foster parents.{{cite web |last1=Lourgos |first1=Angie Leventis |date=April 9, 2023 |title=Brandon Johnson: Organizer. Anti-establishment. Servant-leader. From middle school teacher to Chicago mayor. |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-johnson-mayor-profile-20230409-kbayemdxh5ccbd3v6leg2wyvkq-story.html |access-date=April 20, 2023 |website=Chicago Tribune}} Johnson's father, Andrew Johnson, also worked at the Elgin Mental Health Center.{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2023 |title=Brandon Johnson: From church youth group leader to teacher on a path 'to do better for others' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2023/3/24/23653900/brandon-johnson-profile-mayor-runoff-election-ctu-religion-grade-school-paul-vallas-union |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}} When Johnson was nineteen years old, his mother died of congestive heart failure.

Johnson met his wife, Stacie Rencher, at a religious convention. They married when Johnson was 22 years old.{{Cite web|url=https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/national_news/brandon-johnson-appears-on-stage-with-wife-stacie-rencher-johnson-and-their-children-before-becoming/image_f01a1531-5e65-529e-a470-d384e6e6b9a5.html|title=Brandon Johnson appears on stage with wife Stacie Rencher-Johnson and their children before becoming Chicago's 57th mayor on May 15, 2023, at the University of Illinois at Chicago.|first=Brian |last=Cassella|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=May 15, 2023|work=The Brunswick News}}{{cite web |last1=Weinberg |first1=Tessa |last2=Sfondeles |first2=Tina |title=Brandon Johnson: From church youth group leader to teacher on a path ‘to do better for others’ |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2023/3/24/23653900/brandon-johnson-profile-mayor-runoff-election-ctu-religion-grade-school-paul-vallas-union |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en |date=25 March 2023}}

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in youth development in 2004 and a master's degree in teaching in 2007, both from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois.{{cite web |title=Mayor Brandon Johnson Biography |url=https://www.chipublib.org/mayor-brandon-johnson-biography/ |website=www.chipublib.org}}

File:CTU Strike.jpg]]

Johnson worked as a social studies teacher at Jenner Academy Elementary from 2007 to 2010, a public school near the Cabrini-Green housing development on Chicago's Near North Side. Johnson then taught at George Westinghouse College Prep high school in the East Garfield Park neighborhood for less than one year, before becoming a full-time organizer. Both are part of the Chicago Public Schools system.{{cite web|url=https://brandonforcookcounty.com/about-brandon|title=About Brandon Johnson|website=Brandon Johnson for Cook County Commissioner|language=en-US|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109181436/https://brandonforcookcounty.com/about-brandon|url-status=dead}}

Johnson became an organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union in 2011, and helped organize the 2012 Chicago teachers strike.{{cite web|url=https://politi.co/2NjHHWD|title=IS CTU ALREADY EYEING 2023? — JOHNSON 'toying with' retirement — DEMS WANT ARROYO, BURKE OUT|last1=Kapos|first1=Shia|last2=Hurst|first2=Adrienne|website=POLITICO|date=November 5, 2019 |language=en|access-date=November 7, 2019}} He also helped lead field campaigns during the 2015 Chicago mayoral and aldermanic elections.

Johnson and his family live in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago.

Johnson ran against incumbent Richard Boykin in the 2018 election for the Cook County Board of Commissioner's 1st district. He was endorsed by a number of labor organizations and progressive advocacy groups, including the Chicago Teachers Union, Grassroots Illinois Action, The People's Lobby, Our Revolution, and SEIU Locals 1 and 73.{{cite web|url=https://brandonforcookcounty.com/endorsements|title=Endorsements|website=Brandon Johnson for Cook County Commissioner|language=en-US|access-date=November 7, 2019}} He was also endorsed by Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle.{{cite web |last1=Hinton |first1=Rachel |title=Preckwinkle endorses Brandon Johnson in Cook County Board's 1st District race |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/3/16/18329320/preckwinkle-endorses-brandon-johnson-in-cook-county-board-s-1st-district-race |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=January 30, 2023 |language=en |date=March 16, 2018}} He won the Democratic Party primary election on March 20, 2018, defeating Boykin by 0.8 percentage points (437 votes), and ran unopposed in the general election on November 6, 2018.{{cite web |title=Brandon Johnson (Illinois) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Brandon_Johnson_(Illinois) |access-date=November 7, 2019 |website=Ballotpedia |language=en}} Johnson was sworn in as a Cook County commissioner on December 3, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://austintalks.org/2018/12/commissioner-brandon-johnson-sworn-in-monday/|title=Commissioner Brandon Johnson sworn in Monday|last=AustinTalks|website=AustinTalks|date=December 3, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=November 7, 2019}}

Johnson was the chief sponsor of the Just Housing Ordinance, which amended the county's housing ordinance by prohibiting potential landlords or property owners from asking about or considering prospective tenants' or homebuyers' criminal history. The ordinance was passed in April 2019.{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/4/25/18620969/county-board-limits-landlords-inquiries-into-tenants-criminal-histories|title=County Board limits landlords' inquiries into tenants' criminal histories|last=Hinton|first=Rachel|date=April 25, 2019|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|access-date=November 7, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/10/23/20929526/cook-county-hearing-fair-housing-criminal-history-landlord-tenant-applications|title=County hearing on housing heats up over criminal history questions in tenant applications|last=Hinton|first=Rachel|date=October 23, 2019|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|access-date=November 7, 2019}}

In October 2019, Johnson spoke at a solidarity rally supporting striking teachers and support staff during the 2019 Chicago Public Schools Strike, and wrote supportive letters to the editor in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times.{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/27/20934817/cps-strike-ctu-union-lori-lightfoot-100-million-bargaining|title=As CTU contract talks stall, Lightfoot says union won't 'take yes for an answer'|last=Wittich|first=Jake|date=October 27, 2019|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|access-date=November 7, 2019}}{{cite web |last= |first= |date=October 18, 2019 |title=Chicago teachers demand an overdue social transformation |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/18/20919658/chicago-teachers-union-ctu-strike-chicago-schools-sun-times-letters |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/letters/ct-letters-vp-102219-20191021-6o7u6trclngrpngcdpdvferlky-story.html|title=Letters: Teachers have become first responders|last=Johnson|first=Brandon|date=October 21, 2019|website=chicagotribune.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022202241/https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/letters/ct-letters-vp-102219-20191021-6o7u6trclngrpngcdpdvferlky-story.html |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |access-date=November 17, 2019}} Johnson worked as a paid organizer for CTU, focusing on legislative affairs. Politico's Illinois Playbook reported after the strike that Johnson was rumored as a potential mayoral candidate in the 2023 election; Johnson responded by calling the rumors "laughable" and criticizing the publication for making a connection between the strike and his electoral career. In November 2019, Johnson wrote an essay in a CTU publication drawing a distinction between the union's organizing model and "top-down school governance."{{cite web|url=https://www.ctulocal1.org/chicago-union-teacher/2019/11/organizing-to-build-a-more-perfect-union/|title=Organizing to build a more perfect union|last=Johnson|first=Brandon|date=November 13, 2019|website=Chicago Teachers Union|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117174000/https://www.ctulocal1.org/chicago-union-teacher/2019/11/organizing-to-build-a-more-perfect-union/ |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |access-date=November 17, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-cps-strike-teachers-union-vote-contract-chicago-20191116-rcbxrifhgva7rkbvhmwxe2vcum-story.html|title=Chicago Teachers Union ratifies new contract, avoiding another walkout after 11-day strike|last=Leone|first=Hannah|date=November 16, 2019|website=chicagotribune.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116065022/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-cps-strike-teachers-union-vote-contract-chicago-20191116-rcbxrifhgva7rkbvhmwxe2vcum-story.html |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |access-date=November 17, 2019}}

Johnson endorsed Toni Preckwinkle ahead of the first round of the 2019 Chicago mayoral election.{{cite web |title=List of Endorsements in the Race for Chicago Mayor |date=February 20, 2019 |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/chicago-mayor-race-endorsements-506108781.html |access-date=February 22, 2019}} He also endorsed Melissa Conyears-Ervin in the 2019 Chicago city treasurer election. In August 2019, Johnson endorsed the candidacy of Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.{{cite web |last1=Romain |first1=Michael |title=Brandon Johnson has a plan: get behind Elizabeth Warren |url=https://www.oakpark.com/2019/09/03/brandon-johnson-has-a-plan-get-behind-elizabeth-warren/ |website=Oak Park |access-date=January 30, 2023 |date=September 3, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Marzano |first1=Peter |date=March 10, 2023 |title=Sen. Elizabeth Warren Endorses Brandon Johnson For Mayor in First National Endorsement of Runoff Campaign |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/chicago-mayoral-election-2023/elizabeth-warren-endorses-brandon-johnson-for-mayor/3091532/?amp=1 |access-date=March 11, 2023 |website=NBC Chicago}}

In the summer of 2020, amid the George Floyd protests, Johnson authored the "Justice for Black Lives" resolution that was adopted in July 2020.{{cite web |last1=Yin |first1=Alice |title=Cook County Board passes symbolic resolution to shift money from police, jails in wake of 'defund' movements |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-cook-county-board-police-funding-resolution-20200730-g6ceoshirvblbdujcswv6sjdya-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=July 30, 2020}} The resolution called for reallocating funding "from policing and incarceration" to "public services not administered by law enforcement that promote community health and safety equitably." In an interview that year, Johnson praised the political catchphrase "defund the police" as a "real political goal". He would later walk back his embrace of the phrase "defund the police", especially making an effort to disassociate himself from it during his 2023 mayoral campaign.{{cite web |last1=Cherone |first1=Heather |title=How Brandon Johnson Weathered Attacks Over Claims He Would Defund the Police |url=https://news.wttw.com/2023/04/05/how-brandon-johnson-weathered-attacks-over-claims-he-would-defund-police |website=WTTW News |access-date=April 14, 2023 |language=en |date=April 5, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Woelfel |first1=Mariah |title=From raising taxes to defunding the police, we fact checked Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson |url=https://www.wbez.org/stories/fact-checking-paul-vallas-and-brandon-johnson-claims/3f60b8b9-8a8f-4684-bc1c-e4c51c2f16ac |website=WBEZ Chicago |access-date=April 14, 2023 |language=en |date=March 31, 2023}}

Johnson was reelected in 2022.{{cite web |title=Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the November 8, 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Held in Each of the Precincts in Cook County, Illinois Including the City of Chicago |url=https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/November%208%2C%202022%20Proclamation%20Cook%20and%20Chicago.pdf |website=www.cookcountyclerkil.gov |publisher=Cook County Clerk |access-date=December 6, 2022 |date=2022}}

During Johnson's tenure on the Board of Commissioners, Board President Toni Preckwinkle exerted strong influence on the policy pursued by the body.{{cite web |last1=Byrne |first1=John |last2=Yin |first2=Alice |title=Brandon Johnson has spent four years on the Cook County Board. Does his record there stand up to the achievements he touts? |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-chicago-mayor-race-brandon-johnson-cook-county-board-20230331-meroyr62rbbszevzcxq3yztcde-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=March 31, 2023}} Johnson had generally been allied with Preckwinkle.{{cite web |last1=Wall |first1=Craig |title=Paul Vallas endorsed by former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in Chicago mayoral race |url=https://abc7chicago.com/jesse-white-endorsement-paul-vallas-chicago-brandon-johnson/12905768/ |website=ABC7 Chicago |access-date=March 4, 2023 |language=en |date=March 3, 2023}}

{{Main|2023 Chicago mayoral election}}

File:Brandon Johnson for Chicago 48118368 (2).png

Johnson was elected the mayor of Chicago in the city's 2023 mayoral election. He became the third black person to be elected mayor of ChicagoMultiple sources:

• {{cite web |last1=Fountain |first1=John W. |title=In Windy City Politics, Race Still Matters – One Mayor's Demise, Another's Rise |url=https://chicagocrusader.com/in-windy-city-politics-race-still-matters-one-mayors-demise-anothers-rise/ |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 6, 2023}}*
• {{cite web |last1=McDevitt |first1=Michael |title=Brandon Johnson wins mayoral election, becoming fourth Black person to hold the office |url=https://www.thedailyline.com/brandon-johnson-chicago-mayor-victory-paul-vallas-election-results |website=The Daily Line |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 5, 2023}}
• {{cite web |last1=Pratt |first1=Gregory |last2=Yin |first2=Alice |title=Brandon Johnson, Chicago's mayor-elect, vows to represent all: 'Today, the dream is alive' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-chicago-mayor-election-night-results-2023-20230405-hrem6i24zvek3azdhgdcjbzxq4-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 5, 2023}} and the first mayor to hail from the city's West Side since the 1930s.{{Cite web |last=Arline |first=Trey |date=April 6, 2023 |title=Brandon Johnson Will Be The First West Side Mayor In 90 Years, Giving Locals Hope |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/04/06/brandon-johnson-will-be-the-first-west-side-mayor-in-90-years-giving-locals-hope/ |access-date=April 6, 2023 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en}} Johnson was sworn in as Chicago's 57th{{cite web |last1=Bradley |first1=TAhman |last2=Ong |first2=Eli |title=Brandon Johnson details plan heading into inauguration |url=https://wgntv.com/news/politics/mayor-elect-brandon-johnson-details-plan-heading-into-inauguration/ |website=WGN-TV |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 5, 2023}} mayor on May 15, 2023.{{cite web |last1=Marzano |first1=Peter |title=When Will Chicago's Next Mayor Be Sworn In? What to Know About the Transition |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/when-will-chicagos-next-mayor-be-sworn-in-what-to-know-about-the-transition/3113248/ |website=NBC Chicago |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 12, 2023}}

On September 13, 2022, Johnson launched an exploratory committee to consider running for in the 2023 mayoral election.{{cite web |last=Cherone |first=Heather |title=Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson Launches Exploratory Committee for Chicago Mayor |url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/09/06/cook-county-commissioner-brandon-johnson-launches-exploratory-committee-chicago-mayor |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=WTTW News |language=en}} In the weeks that followed, he received endorsements from United Working Families,{{cite web |last1=Pratt |first1=Gregory |last2=Yin |first2=Alice |last3=Quig |first3=A.D. |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Brandon Johnson, Mayor Lightfoot's newest progressive challenger, contends she's 'disconnected ... with working people' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-brandon-johnson-chicago-mayor-lightfoot-20221027-27oo7mszi5dpbadjldw5shiqwy-story.html |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}} the Chicago Teachers Union,{{cite web |title=Chicago Teachers Union Endorses Brandon Johnson for Mayor, Urges Him to Make Bid Official |url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/09/28/chicago-teachers-union-endorses-brandon-johnson-mayor-urges-him-make-bid-official |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=WTTW News |language=en}} and progressive independent political organizations in the 30th, 33rd, 35th, and 39th wards.{{cite web |last=Cherone |first=Heather |title=Backed by Teachers Union, Brandon Johnson Launches Campaign for Chicago Mayor |url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/10/27/backed-teachers-union-brandon-johnson-launches-campaign-chicago-mayor |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=WTTW News |language=en}} On October 23, the American Federation of Teachers pledged to donate $1 million to Johnson's campaign should he enter the race. On October 27, Johnson formally announced his candidacy at Seward Park.{{cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Dawn |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson Is Running For Chicago Mayor: 'We Are Going To Bring A Revival To This City' |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/10/27/cook-county-commissioner-brandon-johnson-is-running-for-chicago-mayor/ |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en}}

Johnson's campaign was supported by what Heather Cherone of WTTW News described as a "coalition of progressive groups".{{cite web |last1=Cherone |first1=Heather |title=Political Fund Created by Lightfoot's Allies Used Cash from City Contractors to Attack Johnson |url=https://news.wttw.com/2023/02/10/political-fund-created-lightfoot-s-allies-used-cash-city-contractors-attack-johnson |website=WTTW News |access-date=March 11, 2023 |language=en |date=February 10, 2023}} Johnson was the beneficiary of Chuy García's decision to wait until after the 2022 United States House of Representatives election to announce his mayoral candidacy, as a number of groups that had supported García 2015 mayoral campaign, such as the Chicago Teachers Union and the United Working Families, grew impatient of waiting for a decision by García on whether he would run and instead pledged their support to Johnson.{{cite web |last1=Spielman |first1=Fran |title=Garcia questions whether Johnson, a CTU organizer, can be an objective mayor |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/fran-spielman-show/2023/2/17/23604492/chicago-mayoral-election-jesus-chuy-garcia-brandon-johnson-ctu-organizer |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=March 11, 2023 |language=en |date=February 17, 2023}}Multiple sources:

• {{cite web |title=Congressman Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia running for mayor of Chicago, sources say |url=https://abc7chicago.com/jesus-chuy-garcia-mayor-chicago-lori-lightfoot/12418515/ |website=ABC7 Chicago |publisher=WLS-TV |access-date=March 11, 2023 |language=en |date=November 5, 2022}}
• {{cite web |last1=Spielman |first1=Fran |title=Chuy's in: Garcia makes another run for mayor of Chicago |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/fran-spielman-show/2022/11/10/23450140/jesus-chuy-garcia-mayor-chicago-campaign-announce-congress-lightfoot-election-runoff |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=March 11, 2023 |language=en |date=November 10, 2022}}
• {{cite web |last1=Spielman |first1=Fran |title=Sorry, Chuy: Chicago Teachers Union, United Working Families endorse Brandon Johnson for mayor |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2022/9/29/23378704/chicago-mayor-election-2023-garcia-johnson-teachers-union-working-families-endorsement-lightfoot |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=March 11, 2023 |language=en |date=September 29, 2022}}

Johnson was described as a "progressive" and a favored "candidate of the left."{{cite web |last1=Pratt |first1=Gregory |last2=Yin |first2=Alice |last3=Quig |first3=A.D. |title=Brandon Johnson, Mayor Lightfoot's newest progressive challenger, contends she's 'disconnected ... with working people' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-brandon-johnson-chicago-mayor-lightfoot-20221027-27oo7mszi5dpbadjldw5shiqwy-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=January 30, 2023 |date=October 27, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Hinz |first1=Gregory |title=Brandon Johnson's a true believer—but is a total progressive what voters want? |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/brandon-johnson-talks-chicago-crime-schools-progressive-politics-crains |website=Crain's Chicago Business |access-date=January 30, 2023 |date=October 27, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=McClelland |first1=Edward Robert |title=Mayoral Power Rankings 2023: November 2022 Update |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/news/mayoral-power-rankings-2023-november-2022-update/ |website=Chicago Magazine |access-date=January 30, 2023 |date=November 17, 2022}} His campaign emphasized funding and resources for public schools,{{cite web |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Brandon Johnson vows to fully fund, and resource, city's public schools |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2023/2/1/23547792/chicago-mayor-election-2023-brandon-johnson-teachers-union-ctu-education |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}} a public safety platform that includes efficiency audits and non-police responses to mental health emergencies,{{cite web |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Mayoral challenger Brandon Johnson unveils sweeping plan to fight violent crime |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2023/2/6/23587777/chicago-mayor-election-2023-brandon-johnson-crime-strategy-police-cpd-training-garcia-lightfoot |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}} support for a real estate transfer tax to fund homelessness response and prevention, and a budget that proposes raising $1 billion in new revenues, including through new or increased taxes on airlines, financial transactions, high-value real estate transfers, and hotels.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/us/politics/chicago-mayor-republicans-democrats-trump.html | title=Chicago's Choice Points to a Democratic Divide the G.O.P. Hopes to Exploit | work=The New York Times | date=March 2023 | last1=Weisman | first1=Jonathan | last2=Bender | first2=Michael C. }}{{cite web |date=January 24, 2023 |title=Mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson unveils tax-the-rich plan to bankroll social services |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2023/1/23/23568177/mayoral-challenger-brandon-johnson-taxes-real-estate-financial-transactions |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}{{cite web | url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2020/9/11/21433097/dajore-wilson-defund-police-chicago-child-shootings | title=Calls to defund the police no longer seem like such a radical idea | date=September 11, 2020 }} Amid polling showing crime and police relations as the leading issue, Johnson was the only primary candidate who did not express support for hiring more police officers, suggesting instead an increase in the detective force from existing ranks, citywide youth hiring, reopening mental health centers, and investment in violence prevention as means to address 'root causes of crime',{{cite web | url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/02/08/brandon-johnson-wants-to-support-neighborhood-schools-and-make-the-wealthy-pay-their-fair-share-not-hire-more-cops/ | title=Brandon Johnson Wants to Support Neighborhood Schools and Make the Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share — Not Hire More Cops | date=February 8, 2023 }} in line with voter preferences for increased job training and economic opportunity over force expansion.{{cite web | url=https://www.wbez.org/stories/poll-crime-tops-chicago-voters-issues-this-mayoral-election/d883f428-d268-4c39-9a9d-6aa13566c447 | title=Poll: Chicago voters feel unsafe, unhappy with police relations — and are looking for a candidate to fix it all | date=February 9, 2023 }}

In the first round of the election on February 28, Johnson placed second with about 22% of the vote. He advanced to the runoff election on April 4, where he faced Paul Vallas, who placed first in the initial round with over 33% of the vote.{{cite web |date=February 28, 2023 |title=Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff |url=https://apnews.com/article/chicago-mayor-election-2023-73b7ffa6da2ad2f301674c5c23e08560 |access-date=March 1, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, setting stage for Chicago's mayoral race to be between Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-chicago-election-mayoral-results-others-make-runoff-20230301-ej3coxoaafcdxo522olyq7ajd4-story.html |access-date=March 1, 2023 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=February 28, 2023 }}

After they were eliminated in the election's first round as mayoral candidates, U.S. Congressman Chuy García and Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner endorsed Johnson in the runoff.Multiple sources:

• {{cite web |last=Kapos |first=Shia |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Garcia backing Johnson for Chicago mayor |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2023/03/17/garcia-backing-johnson-for-chicago-mayor-00087591 |website=Politico |language=en-US |access-date=March 17, 2023}}
• {{cite news |last=Myers |first=Quinn |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Mayoral Endorsements: Black Alderpeople Back Paul Vallas, State Rep. Kam Buckner Backs Brandon Johnson |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/16/mayoral-endorsements-black-alderpeople-back-paul-vallas-state-rep-kam-buckner-backs-brandon-johnson/ |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en-U |access-date=April 6, 2023}} Among the most prominent figures to endorse Johnson in the general election were activist and two-time presidential candidate Jesse Jackson,{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Quinn |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García, Jesse Jackson Endorse Brandon Johnson In Chicago Mayor's Race |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/17/rep-jesus-chuy-garcia-endorses-brandon-johnson-in-chicago-mayors-race/ |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en-US |access-date=March 18, 2023}} Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle (the runner-up of the previous mayoral election in 2019),{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Quinn |date=March 7, 2023 |title=Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Endorses Brandon Johnson For Mayor |agency=Block Club Chicago |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/07/cook-county-board-president-toni-preckwinkle-endorses-brandon-johnson-for-mayor/ |access-date=March 27, 2023}} Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul,{{cite web |last=Kapos |first=Shia |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Raoul backs Johnson in endorsement game |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2023/03/15/raoul-backs-johnson-in-endorsement-game-00087149 |access-date=March 15, 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en}} former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun (a 2004 presidential candidate 2011 mayoral candidate),{{cite web |last=Spielman |first=Fran |date=March 14, 2023 |title=More Chicago mayoral endorsements: Abortion rights PAC backs Johnson; 3 police union supporters on City Council back Vallas |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2023/3/14/23639885/chicago-mayor-election-endorsements-personal-pac-city-council-members-vallas-johnson-abortion-police |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en-US |access-date=March 14, 2023}} U.S. Congressman from South Carolina Jim Clyburn,{{cite web |last=Marans |first=Daniel |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Top House Democrat Jim Clyburn Endorses Brandon Johnson For Chicago Mayor |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jim-clyburn-endorsement-brandon-johnson-chicago_n_6412430ee4b0a3902d2e79d1 |website=HuffPost |language=en-US |access-date=March 16, 2023}} as well as U.S. Senators and former presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren (of Massachusetts) and Bernie Sanders (of Vermont).{{cite web |author=NBC 5 Staff |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Chicago Mayoral Runoff Candidate Brandon Johnson Gets Endorsement From Sen. Bernie Sanders |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/chicago-mayoral-election-2023/chicago-mayoral-runoff-candidate-brandon-johnson-gets-endorsement-from-sen-bernie-sanders/3096929/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |work=WMAQ-TV}}

File:2023 Chicago mayoral run-off fourm.jpg at a runoff mayoral forum at Kenwood Academy, March 2023]]

Johnson criticized Vallas for ties to Republican Party organizations and figures, as well as his ties to conservative causes. In the first runoff debate, Johnson remarked, "Chicago cannot afford Republicans like Paul Vallas". In response, Vallas proclaimed himself a "lifelong Democrat", citing his candidacy in the primary of the 2002 Illinois gubernatorial election and his unsuccessful campaign as the Democratic Party's nominee for lieutenant governor in the 2014 Illinois gubernatorial election.{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Quinn |title=Brandon Johnson Goes On Offensive In 1st Runoff Debate, Blasts Paul Vallas Over Property Taxes, Republican Ties |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/03/08/brandon-johnson-goes-on-offensive-in-1st-runoff-debate-blasts-paul-vallas-over-property-taxes-republican-ties/ |website=Block Club Chicago |access-date=March 11, 2023 |language=en |date=March 9, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Yin |first1=Alice |last2=Pratt |first2=Gregory |last3=Quig |first3=A.D. |title=At first debate of mayoral runoff, Johnson attacks Vallas' record as rival tries to stay above the fray |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-chicago-mayor-race-debate-vallas-johnson-20230309-i4kqmwtkfnfupnnraqgpw4x2mu-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=March 11, 2023 |date=March 8, 2023}} Johnson also attacked Vallas as having hurt Chicago Public Schools' finances during his tenure as CEO of Chicago Public Schools. Vallas accused Johnson of lacking "substance", accusing him of lacking a significant political record. Vallas campaigned on lowering crime while characterizing Johnson as wanting to "defund the police".{{cite web |last1=Skelley |first1=Geoffrey |title=What You Need To Know About The Wisconsin And Chicago Elections |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/chicago-wisconsin-elections/ |website=FiveThirtyEight |access-date=April 3, 2023 |date=April 3, 2023}}

On April 4, Johnson defeated Vallas to win the runoff election.{{cite news |last=Burnett |first=Sara |date=April 4, 2023 |title=Johnson elected Chicago mayor in victory for progressives |url=https://apnews.com/article/chicago-mayor-election-johnson-vallas-838d2740994587d0eb0cbbfb04cd55cc |access-date=April 4, 2023 |work=Associated Press}} His victory was described as an upset victory by several media outlets.{{cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/04/05/chicago-mayor-election-result-brandon-johnson |title=Brandon Johnson wins Chicago mayor's race |publisher=Axios |access-date=April 4, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-big-upset-in-the-chicago-mayor-s-race-explained/ar-AA19tUr0?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=2db56129c6e34d0487c14477d58d8dc7&ei=11 |title=The big upset in the Chicago mayor's race, explained |publisher=Vox |access-date=April 5, 2023}}

Johnson was significantly out-fundraised by Vallas,{{cite web |last1=Hinz |first1=Greg |title=Where Vallas and Johnson are collecting the big money |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/paul-vallas-brandon-johnson-fundraising-report-reform-illinois |website=Crain's Chicago Business |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=March 30, 2023}} and outspent by a ratio of nearly 2-to-1.{{cite web |last1=Quig |first1=A.D. |last2=Pratt |first2=Gregory |title=Paul Vallas outspent Brandon Johnson nearly 2-to-1 in losing mayoral bid |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-mayoral-city-campaign-spending-2023-20230419-zr5axn5b4rdd3b3xwueum2y5kq-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 20, 2023 |date=April 19, 2023}} Some journalists have attributed grassroots organizing in support of Johnson's candidacy as having been the difference-maker in his victory.Multiple sources:

• {{cite magazine |last1=Ransby |first1=Barbara |date=April 13, 2023 |title=Chicago's Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/brandon-johnson-movement-organizing-chicago/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |magazine=The Nation}}
• {{cite web |last1=Bloom |first1=Mina |date=April 14, 2023 |title=How Grassroots Organizing Fueled Brandon Johnson's Victory: 'It Was 100-Percent People Power' |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/04/14/how-grassroots-organizing-fueled-brandon-johnsons-victory-it-was-100-percent-people-power/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en}}
• {{cite web |last1=Serrato |first1=Jacqueline |last2=Przybyl |first2=Adam |last3=Sier |first3=Pat |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Chicagoans Decide Brandon is Better |url=https://southsideweekly.com/2023-municipal-runoff-election-results/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |website=South Side Weekly}}

Many who led Johnson's transition team, including its chair, had ties to trade unions.{{cite web |last1=Pratt |first1=Gregory |title=Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson names union leader to head transition team |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-transition-team-20230412-rgoenyy2rjfkfen6yysji5k5jq-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 12, 2023}}

On April 6, 2023, Mayor-elect Johnson met with Mayor Lightfoot at her Chicago City Hall office in order to discuss the mayoral transition.{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Quinn |title=Brandon Johnson, Lori Lightfoot Meet At City Hall As Mayoral Transition Kicks Off: 'We Are Going To Be United' |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/04/06/brandon-johnson-lori-lightfoot-meet-at-city-hall-as-mayoral-transition-kicks-off-we-are-going-to-be-united/ |website=Block Club Chicago |access-date=April 12, 2023 |language=en |date=April 6, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Armentrout |first1=Mitchell |title=Meeting of the mayors: Johnson feels the historic moment while discussing his transition with Lightfoot |url=https://www.wbez.org/stories/brandon-johnson-meets-with-lori-lightfoot/d0a67c50-b183-4b3f-9c03-f63927249a30 |website=WBEZ Chicago |access-date=April 12, 2023 |language=en |date=April 6, 2023}} The following day, Mayor-elect Johnson met in person with Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker.{{cite web |last1=Le Mignont |first1=Suzanne |title=Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, Gov. JB Pritzker meet in Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/johnson-pritzker-meet/ |website=CBS News |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 7, 2023}} He met in person with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on April 14, 2023.{{cite web |title=Illinois A.G. Kwame Raoul, Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson meet to discuss city issues |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/kwame-raoul-brandon-johnson-chicago/ |website=CBS News |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=April 14, 2023}}

On April 11, 2023, Chicago was announced to have won the right to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.{{cite web |last1=Zeleny |first1=Ethan Cohen, Jeff |title=Chicago to host 2024 Democratic National Convention {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/11/politics/chicago-dnc-2024/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=April 12, 2023 |language=en |date=April 11, 2023}} Johnson had supported the city's bid. After defeating Lightfoot in the first round, both Johnson and Vallas vowed to support the convention bid that Lightfoot had been championing as mayor.{{cite web |last1=Sweet |first1=Lynn |title=Chicago mayor rivals Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson pledge support for city's 2024 Democratic convention bid |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2023/3/2/23622814/chicago-mayor-rivals-paul-vallas-brandon-johnson-pledge-support-for-citys-democratic-convention-bid |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=April 11, 2023 |language=en |date=March 3, 2023}} It was reported that when President Joe Biden made a congratulatory phone call to Johnson after he was projected the election's victory, Johnson took the opportunity to pitch him on Chicago's bid to host the convention.{{cite web |last1=Korecki |first1=Natasha |title=Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson pitches Biden on 2024 Chicago convention |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/chicago-mayor-elect-brandon-johnson-pitches-biden-2024-convention-rcna78754 |website=NBC News |access-date=April 12, 2023 |language=en |date=April 7, 2023}} After the mayoral election, in the final day before the Democratic National Committee was to select a host city for the convention, Johnson and Governor Pritzker had worked with each other to advance the case for Chicago to host.{{cite web |last1=Laurence |first1=Justin |title=Johnson, Pritzker working together to land DNC convention in Chicago |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/brandon-johnson-jb-pritzker-work-dnc-convention-chicago |website=Crain's Chicago Business |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 7, 2023}}

Approximately a week after his election, Johnson joined a picket line alongside striking faculty members at Chicago State University.{{cite web |last1=Upré |first1=Brandon |title=Brandon Johnson joins picket line at Chicago State University |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/mayor-elect-brandon-johnson-joins-picket-line-chicago-state-university |website=Crain's Chicago Business |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=April 10, 2023}}

In April 2023, after several large groups of teens and young adults engaged in shootings and vandalism across multiple locations in the city,{{cite news |title=Chicago Police Report 15 Arrests Amid 'Reckless, Disruptive' Behavior in Large Downtown Gatherings |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-police-report-15-arrests-amid-reckless-disruptive-behavior-in-large-downtown-gatherings/3120211/ |access-date=October 9, 2023 |publisher=NBC Chicago}} Mayor-Elect Johnson issued a statement, writing "...in no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend. It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities."[https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/following-weekend-of-reckless-and-disruptive-gatherings-downtown-some-call-for-teen-curfew-to-return/3120447/ Following Weekend of ‘Reckless, Disruptive' Gatherings Downtown, Some Call For Teen Curfew to Return ], NBC Chicago, April 17, 2023

On April 18, Johnson began a trip to the state capital of Springfield, Illinois, holding meetings there with state lawmakers. The following day, he addressed the Illinois General Assembly.{{cite web |last1=Wall |first1=Craig |title=Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson kicks off Springfield visit with private meetings {{!}} abc7chicago.com |url=https://abc7chicago.com/brandon-johnson-chicago-mayor-springfield-illinois-general-assembly/13151964/ |website=abc7chicago.com |publisher=WLS-TV |access-date=April 20, 2023 |date=April 18, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Glenn |last2=Spinelli |first2=Courtney |title=Brandon Johnson makes first trip to state Capitol as Chicago's mayor-elect |url=https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/brandon-johnson-makes-first-trip-to-state-capitol-as-chicagos-mayor-elect/amp/ |website=WGN-TV |access-date=April 20, 2023 |date=April 19, 2023}}

Johnson made staff decisions during the transition period, such as selecting his mayoral chief of staff.{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Gaynor |last2=Curi |first2=Peter |title=Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson hires Chief of Staff |url=https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/mayor-elect-brandon-johnson-hires-chief-of-staff/amp/ |website=WGN-TV |access-date=April 22, 2023 |date=April 21, 2023}} It was announced that Interim Chief of Police Eric Carter would step down from that position on the day that Johnson is inaugurated.{{cite web |last1=Bauer |first1=Kelly |title=Chicago's Interim Top Cop Will Retire Same Day Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson Takes Office |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/04/20/chicagos-interim-top-cop-will-retire-same-day-mayor-elect-brandon-johnson-takes-office/ |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en |date=April 20, 2023}}

Johnson was inaugurated at noon on May 15, 2023, at the Credit Union 1 Arena.{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-inauguration-livestream-credit-union-1-arena-mayoral-2023/13249293/|title=Brandon Johnson sworn in as Chicago mayor at inauguration ceremony|date=May 15, 2023 |publisher=ABC Chicago|access-date=May 30, 2023}} Hours later he signed four executive orders relating to public safety, migrants and youth employment.

In October 2023, the City Council passed the "One Fair Wage" ordinance with the support of Johnson. The ordinance establishes a timeline for the eventual elimination of the subminimum wage for tipped workers by July 1, 2028.{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Quinn |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Chicago Will End Subminimum Wage For Tipped Workers After Council Approves Plan |url=http://blockclubchicago.org/2023/10/06/chicago-will-end-subminimum-wage-for-tipped-workers-after-council-approves-plan/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Staff • • |first=NBC Chicago |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Chicago eliminates subminimum wage for tipped workers. Here's what that means |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-eliminates-subminimum-wage-for-tipped-workers-heres-what-that-means/3244487/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Selvam |first=Ashok |date=October 11, 2023 |title=How Chicago Phased Out the Tipped Minimum Wage |url=https://chicago.eater.com/2023/10/11/23913169/chicago-tipped-subhuman-minimum-wage-one-fair-wage-tips-service-fees |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Eater Chicago |language=en}}

As Mayor, Johnson has sought to remove red tape to streamline housing and commercial development in the city.{{Cite web |last=Mercado |first=Melody |date=April 5, 2024 |title=Mayor Plans To Boost Housing, Business Development By Cutting Red Tape |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/04/05/how-can-chicago-make-it-easier-to-build-housing-start-businesses-new-report-shares-details/ |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en-US}}

During the 2023 mayoral campaign, Johnson campaigned on passing the "Bring Chicago Home" ordinance, a plan to increase the City's real estate transfer tax (RETT) on property sales over $1 million to fund affordable housing and homelessness support services.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2023 |title=Mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson unveils tax-the-rich plan to bankroll social services |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2023/1/23/23568177/mayoral-challenger-brandon-johnson-taxes-real-estate-financial-transactions |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Tonia |date=January 22, 2023 |title=2023 Before the Polls: Q&A with Brandon Johnson • The TRiiBE |url=https://thetriibe.com/2023/01/2023-before-the-polls-brandon-johnson-interview/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=The TRiiBE |language=en-US}} In November 2023, City Council voted to put a referendum to change the tax on the primary election ballot in March 2024.{{Cite web |last=Feurer |first=Todd |date=November 7, 2023 |title=Chicago voters to decide plan to raise tax on high-end property to fight homelessness - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/bring-chicago-home-real-estate-transfer-tax-plan-approved/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} The referendum failed, with 53.2% of voters opposing the measure.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago |date=March 23, 2024 |title=Bring Chicago Home Referendum Fails, AP Says |url=http://blockclubchicago.org/2024/03/22/bring-chicago-home-referendum-fails/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Block Club Chicago |language=en-US}}

In 2024, Johnson pushed for a 615-unit apartment building (of which 124 units were affordable housing) on the lot of a former industrial site at 1840 North Marcey Street. The alderman in the district, Scott Waguespack, sought to use his aldermanic privilege to block the housing development, but Johnson pushed to streamline the project and not allow Waguespack to delay or block it.{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2024 |title=After fiery City Council showdown, Sterling Bay project avoids final rejection |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/lincoln-park-apartment-project-avoid-city-council-rejection |website=Crain's Chicago Business |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=June 18, 2024 |title=Sterling Bay's high-rise apartment project tests aldermanic privilege |url=https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2024/06/18/sterling-bays-resi-project-advances-despite-aldermans-pushback/ |website=The Real Deal |language=en}}

In July 2023, Johnson appointed new members to the Chicago Board of Education, including appointing Jianan Shi as board president.{{cite web |last1=Koumpilova |first1=Mila |title=Meet the new members of the Chicago Board of Education |url=https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2023/7/5/23784871/chicago-board-of-education-mayor-brandon-johnson-jianan-shi-elizabeth-todd-breland |website=Chalkbeat |access-date=November 2, 2024 |language=en |date=July 5, 2023}}

In 2024, the city of Chicago was engaged in contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union (Johnson's former employer).{{cite web |last1=Koumpilova |first1=Mila |last2=Amin |first2=Reema |title=Tensions Rise At Bargaining Table For a New Chicago Teachers Contract |url=https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2024/08/13/chicago-teachers-union-contract-talks-moving-slowly |website=Chalkbeat |language=en |date=August 13, 2024}} In July 2024, Johnson began suggesting that the school district should take on a new loan in order to cover expenses required to meet the teachers union's demands related to the funding of pensions and contracts.{{cite web |last1=Amin |first1=Reema |title=Chicago's Mayor Suggests An Old Tactic To Fill CPS Budget Hole: More Borrowing |url=https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2024/07/12/chicago-public-schools-should-take-out-loan-to-cover-costs |website=Chalkbeat |access-date=November 2, 2024 |language=en |date=July 12, 2024}} However, higher-ups within the school district, as well as the school board, took issue, expressing concern over the prospect of taking on additional debt obligation considering its existing debts.

Amid a standstill, the teachers union publicly lambasted Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, blaming him and pejoratively labeling him a "Lightfoot holdover". Johnson also privately requested Martinez's resignation (though he publicly denied having done so).{{cite web |last1=Amin |first1=Reema |title=All Members of the Chicago Board of Education to Resign |url=https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2024/10/04/cps-school-board-members-resign-amid-johnson-martinez-tensions |website=Chalkbeat |access-date=November 2, 2024 |language=en |date=October 4, 2024}} On September 24, the Chicago Tribune published an op-ed by Martinez, in which he outlined his reasons for refusing Johnson's request for him to resign.{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Pedro |title=Pedro Martinez: Why I'm Not Resigning as CPS chief and We're Not Closing Any Schools |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/09/24/opinion-cps-pedro-martinez-leadership |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=November 2, 2024 |date=September 24, 2024}}

With all of this occurring before a period of change for the board (with the 2024 board election set to reshape its composition from an entirely-appointed board to a hybrid board), the incumbent board members all declined to dismiss Martinez. Ultimately, this conflict led the board (including board president Jianan Shi) to tender their own resignations in early October. 41 out of the 50 members of the Chicago City Council (including some of Johnson's key council allies) signed an open letter criticizing Johnson's move to quickly reshape the board only weeks before the school board election. Days later, Johnson named new appointees to six of the seven seats{{cite web |first=Mila |last=Koumpilova |title=Brandon Johnson Scrambles to Contain CPS School Board Turmoil, Picks 6 New Members |url=https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2024/10/07/chicago-school-board-crisis-grows-as-mayor-picks-new-members/ |website=Chalkbeat |access-date=November 2, 2024 |language=en |date=October 7, 2024}} Seven new appointed members and president were sworn-in together on October 28.{{cite web |last1=Koumpilova |first1=Mila |title=New Chicago school board members swear themselves in |url=https://www.hpherald.com/evening_digest/new-chicago-school-board-members-swear-themselves-in/article_1b5469ec-954f-11ef-8a37-3b4bd714074a.html |website=Hyde Park Herald |publisher=Chalkbeat |access-date=November 3, 2024 |language=en |date=October 28, 2024}}

In his shakeup of the board, Johnson appointed Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson as the new board president.{{cite web |last1=Wild |first1=Whitney |title=Chicago's School Board President Resigns After 'Deeply Disturbing' Statements, Mayor Says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/31/us/chicago-school-board-president-resigns/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=November 2, 2024 |language=en |date=October 31, 2024}} After he was appointed, controversy arose over numerous social media posts he had previously made. Soon after he was appointed, attention was brought to a social media post he had made heralding the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel as "resistance against oppression"; forty members of the city council and governor JB Pritzker expressed concern, with the governor accusing Mayor Johnson and his administration of failing to properly vet him.{{cite web |title=Embattled Chicago School Board president resigns over social media posts |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/embattled-chicago-school-board-president-resigns-over-social-media-posts/3589124/ |website=NBC Chicago |access-date=November 2, 2024 |date=October 31, 2024}} Rev. Johnson later offered an apology for the offending post. The mayor initially defended his school board president, remarking: {{Blockquote|He recognizes the harm those statements have caused, and has expressed his apology and will continue to seek atonement to have the full confidence in every community in the city of Chicago.}}

Additional controversial social media posts came to light on October 31, including a misogynistic meme and a post asserting a 9/11 conspiracy theory. Governor Pritzker issued a public statement calling for Rev. Johnson's resignation. Journalists also uncovered many anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian posts on his social media accounts that used hostile and offensive rhetoric towards Jewish people.{{cite web |title=CPS Board of Education president resigns |url=https://www.wbez.org/education/2024/10/31/cps-board-of-education-president-resigns |website=WBEZ |access-date=November 2, 2024 |language=en |date=November 1, 2024}} Later that day, Rev. Johnson tendered his resignation as school board president, with the mayor releasing a statement that the board president's resignation had come at the mayor's request due to his past online statements which were "not only hurtful but deeply disturbing."{{cite web |title=Newly Appointed Chicago Board of Education President Resigns over Controversial Social Media Posts |last1=Wade |first1=Stephanie |last2= Schulte |first2= Sarah |last3=Nagy |first3= Liz |url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/call-grow-new-chicago-board-education-president-rev-mitchell-johnson-resign-antisemitic-facebook-posts/15492695 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en |date=October 31, 2024}} On December 11, Mayor Johnson appointed Sean Harden as board president.{{cite web |last1=Aminand |first1=Reema |last2=Koumpilova |first2=Mila |title=A Former Chicago Public Schools Official Named to the School Board |url=https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2024/12/12/cps-school-board-sean-harden-appointed/ |website=Chalkbeat |access-date=December 16, 2024 |language=en |date=December 12, 2024}} On December 20, Johnson's new appointees to the school board unanimously voted to terminate Martinez from his position as CEO.{{cite web |last1=Karp |first1=Sarah |last2=Issa |first2=Nader |title=CPS School Board Votes to Fire CEO Pedro Martinez |url=https://www.wbez.org/education/2024/12/20/cps-ceo-pedro-martinez-threatens-to-sue-school-board-before-they-consider-firing-him-at-friday-meeting |website=WBEZ |access-date=December 21, 2024 |language=en |date=December 20, 2024}}

In mid November 2024 Johnson proposed a $300 million property tax increase to balance the city’s budget which was unanimously rejected by the city council 50-0.{{cite web |title=America's Worst Mayor Keeps Losing |url=https://www.wsj.com/opinion/chicago-city-council-blocks-property-tax-increase-brandon-johnson-fbe49cc2 |access-date=April 3, 2025 |website=Wall Street Journal}} Johnson would attempt to backtrack, saying that the proposed increase wasn't serious but just to get people's attention. In March of that year voters also rejected an increase to the real-estate transfer tax on properties valued at more than $1 million and his efforts to plan to use a high-interest loan to fund contract demands from the Chicago Teachers Union led to mass resignations. The Wall Street Journal denounced Johnson's economic reforms as putting Chicago "on a progressive kamikaze course."

In 2024-25, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Johnson's senior advisor Jason Lee held considerable influence over Johnson's policymaking; the Sun-Times referred to Lee as Chicago's "shadow mayor."{{cite news |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2024/12/06/jason-lee-brandon-johnson-adviser-texas-presidential-election-vote-sheila-jackson-lee |title=Top Brandon Johnson adviser lives in Chicago, but cast November vote in Houston |first=Fran |last=Spielman |publisher=Chicago Sun-Times |date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2025}}{{cite news |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2025/01/02/jason-lee-shadow-mayor-adviser-brandon-johnson-chicago |title=Jason Lee, Chicago's shadow mayor, helps Brandon Johnson weather the political storm |first=Fran |last=Spielman |publisher=Chicago Sun-Times |date=May 8, 2025 |access-date=May 8, 2025}} Lee is the son of late Texas congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and he maintains an official residence in Houston despite living in Chicago, voting as a Texas resident in 2024.

In late November 2023, Johnson acknowledged that the City of Chicago, with the backing of Illinois governor JB Pritzker,{{cite news |title=Mayor Brandon Johnson defends construction at Brighton Park migrant camp as more churches to house asylum-seekers |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-brighton-park-camp-construction-20231128-njvqgtxi3rgyjpfvp4qdibyivi-story.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Tribune}} was set to construct a tent city hosting mostly Venezuelan migrants on the Southwest Side. Along with the encampments, Johnson teamed up with churches in 17 of Chicago's parishes to house roughly 350 migrants.{{cite news |last1=KAPOS |first1=SHIA |title=Getting religion on the migrant crisis |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2023/11/29/getting-religion-on-the-migrant-crisis-00129027 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |publisher=Politico}}

In January 2024, Johnson cast a tiebreaking vote in support of a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza war.{{cite news |title=Chicago becomes latest US city to seek ceasefire in Israel's war on Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/1/chicago-becomes-latest-us-city-to-seek-ceasefire-in-israels-war-on-gaza |work=Al Jazeera |date=February 1, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Jewish United Fund denounces Mayor Johnson's tiebreaking vote for council's cease-fire resolution |url=https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-city-council-ceasefire-resolution-israel-hamas-war/14389131/ |work=ABC Chicago |date=February 6, 2024}}

In February 2024, Johnson, as Mayor of Chicago, announced lawsuits against major oil and gas companies including BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Phillips 66, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute, accusing them of deceiving the public about the climate change impacts of their products, as the city of Chicago seeks accountability for climate change-related damages it has suffered.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Jason |date=February 20, 2024 |title=Chicago sues oil companies, accuses them of deception about climate dangers - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/city-of-chicago-sues-oil-companies/ |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

In October 2024, an Orthodox Jewish man was shot as he walked to his synagogue in the historically Jewish West Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. Local Jewish activists and community groups condemned Johnson for neglecting to acknowledge the shooting victim's Jewish identity in his initial statement. U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres of New York City criticized Johnson, implying that the mayor should resign if unwilling to take action against blatant antisemitism in the city.{{Cite web |last=Gurvis |first=Jacob |date=October 30, 2024 |title=Chicago mayor condemns shooting of Jewish man but omits religious identity, drawing ire |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/chicago-mayor-condemns-shooting-of-jewish-man-but-omits-religious-identity-drawing-ire/ |access-date=October 31, 2024 |website=Times of Israel }} In November, the Chicago Police Department announced the alleged shooter would face hate crime and terrorism charges.{{cite web |title=Hate crime and terrorism charges filed after Jewish man shot in 'targeted' attack |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hate-crime-terrorism-charges-filed-jewish-man-shot-targeted-attack-rcna178348 |website=NBC News |language=en |date=1 November 2024}}

On October 29, 2024, Johnson was polled to have a 14% approval rating and a net favorability rating of –56.{{Cite web |last=Ahern |first=MaryAnn |date=October 29, 2024 |title=14% Favorable Rating for @ChicagosMayor |url=https://x.com/MaryAnnAhernNBC/status/1851387233023995941 |access-date=October 29, 2024 |website=Twitter}}

A February 2025 poll by M3 Strategies showed Johnson with a 6.6 percent approval rating and an 80% disapproval rating. Respondents said that crime (67%), high taxes (54%), and inflation (41%) were the top three issues the city needed to address.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000195-3619-dca7-afff-361fb2d20000&nname=illinois-playbook&nid=00000150-1596-d4ac-a1d4-179e288b0000&nrid=00000152-5f49-d3c8-a3f3-df49e9180001|title=Chicago Benchmark Poll|access-date=February 22, 2025|website=M3 Strategies}} This put Johnson among the lowest political approval ratings in recorded U.S. history, well below his predecessor Lori Lightfoot and about even with the lowest approval recorded for former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, just weeks before his resignation following his corruption scandal and trial.{{cite web |title=Is this the least popular politician in America? |url=https://www.newsweek.com/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-approval-rating-2036026 |website=Newsweek |language=en |date=25 February 2025}}{{cite web |title=Blagojevich's approval rating at 7 percent - - POLITICO.com |url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1208/Blagojevichs_approval_rating_at_7_percent.html |website=www.politico.com}}

Johnson lives in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago with his wife, Stacie, and their three children.

In March 2023, it was revealed that Johnson owed the city of Chicago $3,357.04 in unpaid water and sewer charges and additional $1,144.58 in unpaid traffic tickets from 2014 and 2015.{{cite news |title=Brandon Johnson owes more than $3,000 in unpaid bills, report says |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/brandon-johnson-owes-more-than-3000-in-unpaid-bills-report-says/ |website=CBS Chicago |language=en-US |date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2023}}{{cite news |title=Brandon Johnson reportedly owes city of Chicago thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, fines |url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/brandon-johnson-reportedly-owes-city-of-chicago-thousands-of-dollars-in-unpaid-bills-fines |website=Fox 32 |language=en-US |date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2023}} However, Johnson's debts were confirmed to be paid in full by March 31, 2023.{{cite web |last=Kozlov |first=Dana |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson has paid off all city debts, official confirms |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/brandon-johnson-pays-debts/ |website=CBS News |language=en-US |access-date=April 3, 2023}}

{{Election box begin no change |title=Cook County Board of Commissioners 1st district Democratic primary{{cite web |title=Cook County and The City of Chicago Primary Election March 20, 2018 Combined Summary |url=https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sites/default/files/Combined%20Summary032018.pdf |website=Cook County Clerk's Office |language=en-US |access-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=September 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160206/https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sites/default/files/Combined%20Summary032018.pdf |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Brandon Johnson

|votes = 24,863

|percentage = 50.44

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Richard Boykin (incumbent)

|votes = 24,426

|percentage = 49.56

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 49,289

| percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change |title=Cook County Board of Commissioners 1st district election{{cite web |title=Cook County and The City of Chicago General Election November 6, 2018 Combined Summary |url=https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sites/default/files/CombinedSummary.pdf |publisher=Cook County Clerk's Office |language=en-US |access-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=July 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708233020/https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/sites/default/files/CombinedSummary.pdf |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Brandon Johnson

|votes = 88,590

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 88,590

| percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2022 Cook County Board of Commissioners 1st district Democratic primary{{cite web |title=Cook County & City of Chicago Primary Election June 28, 2022 Combined Summary |url=https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/Combined%20Summary%20Report_20220819133604030.pdf |website=Cook County Clerk |date=2022}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Brandon Johnson (incumbent)

| votes = 30,702

| percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 30,702

| percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2022 Cook County Board of Commissioners 1st district election

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Brandon Johnson (incumbent)

| votes = 71,077

| percentage = 92.87

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Libertarian Party (United States)

| candidate = James Humay

| votes = 5,457

| percentage = 7.13

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 76,534

| percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

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{{Leaders of the largest cities in the world by GDP}}

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{{Chicago Teachers Union}}

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