Brandon Johnson thanked voters after becoming the projected winner of the Chicago mayoral election. With 99% of precincts reporting, Johnson won with 51% of the vote and 286,647 votes, while Vallas had 49% of the vote and 270,775 votes. Johnson, a Cook County commissioner, won the race in a come-from-behind victory by a candidate who was largely unknown six months ago. The progressive Democrat faces the challenge of uniting a city divided on how to deal with crime and other big issues.
In his victory speech, Johnson struck a triumphant and highly optimistic note. He talked about how tonight means the civil rights movement and labor rights movement have finally won, and said his government will be a government that truly belongs to the people of Chicago. He also ended his speech saying this is a time to "celebrate the revival and the resurrection of the City of Chicago."
Johnson thanked voters outside of a CTA stop Wednesday morning, saying, "I want to thank the residents of the city of Chicago for putting their trust in our movement."
The former Chicago public school teacher was endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union, with the CTU's president releasing a statement saying, "Today, Chicago has spoken. Chicago has said yes to hope; yes to investment in people; yes to housing the unhoused, and yes to supporting young people with fully-funded schools. It is a new day in our city."
Meanwhile, Democrat Paul Vallas, the former CPS CEO and city budget director conceded the race.
Governor JB Pritzker also released a congratulatory statement, saying in part "I'd like to congratulate Mayor-elect Johnson on his victory. I am committed to a productive partnership that advances our shared priority of making Chicago an even better place to live, work, do business, and raise a family."
Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a statement saying, "I congratulate Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on his hard-fought runoff victory this evening. 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. As always, I will continue to root for the city I call home, and to work toward more equity and fairness in every neighborhood. I am hopeful and optimistic that the incoming administration will carry forth our work to that end."
Brandon Johnson will take office next month and will be sworn in on May 15.
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