Tuesday night was a huge turning point for the city of Chicago as we elected a new mayor with progressive values. Brandon Johnson, the mayor-elect, won 51% of the votes compared to candidate Paul Vallas’ 49%. It was a tight race from the beginning all the way up to election night.
Brandon’s win has given a renewed sense of hope to people from all over Chicago. This includes youth and disenfranchised communities from the South and West Sides. Brandon is originally from the West side of Chicago and on election night he spoke about speaking up for people impacted by violence, struggling to pay their basic needs, and even those he did not vote for him. He has made it clear that his mission is based on truly helping the working class in Chicago, regardless of what zip code they reside in.
There was a huge voter turnout difference compared to the general election in February. More young people voted and people in violence impacted neighborhoods showed up strongly for Brandon Johnson. In the 25th ward, which includes Latino neighborhoods Pilsen and Little Village, 61.55% of residents voted for Brandon Johnson (@25thwardipo on instagram). It is clear that people of Chicago that are most impacted by violence do not want a “tough on crime” leader. With the new mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, it is most likely the new way to combat violence in the city will be investing in education, mental health, and other community resources.
Brandon Johnson will take office on May 15.
El Tribuno del Pueblo brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: tribunodelpueblo.org. We’re all volunteers, no paid staff. Please donate at http://tribunodelpueblo.org to keep bringing you the voices of the movement because no human being is illegal.
Chicagoans are elated that we have Brandon for mayor.