Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson Face-off in Runoff Election

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

With over 80% of the votes counted at the time of publication, Chicago decides to elect new leadership forcing a runoff between Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner, Brandon Johnson. Vallas took an early lead securing more than 30% of the vote, Johnson came in second with 20%.

Incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot failed to secure the number of votes to include her in a runoff. She is the first one-term mayor in 40 years. In a speech to her supporters, Lightfoot said, “Obviously we didn’t win the election today, but I stand here with my head held high, and a heart full of gratitude.”. She called both Vallas and Johnson to congratulate them.

Public Safety, Education, Economic Development, and the rising cost of living in Chicago are the issues most concerning to Black Chicago residents. With nine candidates it was inevitable that the city would see a run-off in April. While the votes are still being counted, it appears that Chicago voters will have to choose between Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson.

Paul Vallas

The former CEO of CPS, Paul Vallas has established himself as a “pro-law enforcement” candidate, securing the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. At the time of publication, AP announced Vallas was moving to a runoff with 36% of the vote with over 85% of precincts election results reported. In his speech to his supporters, he pushed his “law and order” platform saying, “I will support our law enforcement officers, but I will also support and have a zero tolerance, when it comes to violating the law and violates the constitution, We will have a safe Chicago. We will make Chicago the safest big city in America.”

Brandon Johnson

With working-class unions and the Chicago Teacher’s Union behind him, Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson delivered the upset to Mayor Lightfoot securing over 20% of the vote. Cook County Board Commissioner, Brandon Johnson says like most middle- and working-class families, his family has felt the challenges of living and raising children in the city. It’s one of the reasons he was inspired to run. “We love living on the west side of Chicago but have experienced firsthand how horrific the violence can be. It’s left us angry, frustrated, scared, and overwhelmed. I want to lead a city that creates safety, security, and opportunity. That’s what I want for my family and for every resident in the City of Chicago.”

In his speech to his supporters Brandon Johnson said, “You know, a few months ago, they said they didn’t know who I was. Well, if you didn’t know, now you know!” He continued taking a few jabs at his opponent and his record saying, “Paul Vallas is someone who is supported by the Jan. 6th insurrectionists. Johnson continued, “He switched parties when President Barack Obama became president of the United States. He went as far as to say he’s more of a Republican than anything else. He says he fundamentally opposes abortion. These are direct quotes,” Johnson said.

Chicago residents vote for a new mayor in the runoff election on April 4th.