Progressive Brandon Johnson wins Chicago mayor's race
NBCDec 23, 2022
The Facts
On Tuesday, Brandon Johnson, a Cook County commissioner, union organizer, and former teacher, was elected the new mayor of Chicago in a runoff over Chicago Schools Chief Executive Officer Paul Vallas.
Johnson will replace incumbent Lori Lightfoot, who in February finished third and was eliminated during the nonpartisan general election.
The Spin
Right narrative
Chicago voters have figured out a way to make things in their city worse. Under Lightfoot, Chicago became extraordinarily dangerous thanks to woke ideology. Now Chicagoans are going to continue living in a place where public safety is further at risk due to an ultra-progressive mayor. The future doesn't look good for the Windy City.
Left narrative
This election proved Chicagoans aren’t going to fall for right-wing scare tactics that predict progressive reforms will lead to worse crime. Johnson plans to address Chicago’s crime problem with effective reforms — rather than just adding more cops — and also tackle social issues that lead to crime and poor relations between the police and residents. He knows how to make the city better and safer.