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Who’s Backing Who? Candidates Vie for Heavyweight Endorsements
It’s time to bring out the heavy hitters. With the runoff election scheduled for April 4th, Mayoral Candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson are actively courting endorsements from key political figures, organizations and unions. Here’s the breakdown of key endorsements received by both candidates:
Paul Vallas
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ald. walter Burnett - Paul Vallas officially received the endorsement of the “Dean” of the City Council, Alderman Walter Burnett and the 27th Ward Democratic Organization that he leads.
“I know that Paul Vallas will be a Mayor that all communities in our city can trust and count on, and I’m excited to join his team today,” said Alderman Burnett. “Paul will continue the important investments being made on the West side and work to uplift every community in our city as Mayor, and I will work with him to make it happen.”
Gary chico - Vallas for Mayor received its second key endorsement of the runoff campaign, this time earning the support of former Chicago School Board President, State Board of Education Chairman and mayoral candidate Gery Chico. Chico joins legendary former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in endorsing Vallas and reflects the growing consensus that Paul Vallas is the right choice to be Mayor. Vallas and Chico worked closely together during their years of collaboration s CEO and Board President of Chicago Public Schools.
“Paul Vallas is unequivocally the most qualified candidate to be mayor,” said Chico. “Throughout his time in city government and leading our public schools, he has taken on tough challenges and delivered real results for the people of Chicago. I know Chicagoans will make the right choice on April 4th.”
Former Sec. of State Jesse white – Kicking off the big-name endorsements for Paul Vallas was former Secretary of State, Jesse White. White was one of the most popular elected officials in the State as he served 6 terms as Secretary of State. This week, he is featured in tv ads, asking voters to join him in supporting Paul Vallas. In the ad, White says that “Paul Vallas will be a Mayor for all Chicagoans,” that he has the experience needed to lead the city, and that he will focus on reducing crime and making all communities safer. ald. roderick Sawyer - Alderman Roderick Sawyer became the first candidate in the 2023 mayoral election to make his support known in the runoff, swinging his support behind Paul Vallas. The son of former Mayor Eugene Sawyer, Alderman Sawyer was elected in 2011 to represent the 6th Ward, which includes the South Side neighborhoods of Chatham, Chesterfield, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Park Manor and Auburn-Gresham.
“Paul’s commitment to making our city safer and investing in historically underserved communities across the South Side is exactly what Chicago needs,” said Alderman Sawyer. “I’ve gotten to know Paul during the campaign and he is an honest, thoughtful and trustworthy leader that our city can count on.”
Dr. Joyce Kenner - The longtime former Principal of Whitney Young Magnet High School and one of Chicago’s most respected public education leaders, Dr. Joyce Kenner, endorsed Paul Vallas for Mayor on Tuesday. Dr. Kenner worked closely with Vallas during his time as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, which coincided with her first years leading the prestigious magnet school. Now, she is supporting Vallas for Mayor because she believes that his education platform will enhance student achievement and empower local school leaders.
“Paul Vallas is the right choice to be Mayor at the right time,” said Dr. Kenner. “His record of putting our kids first and improving the quality of our schools is exactly the kind of leadership we need to get our schools in order and our city back on track. Chicago’s kids deserve experienced leadership at the helm.”
Dr. willie wilson - Humanitarian, businessman, former mayoral candidate Dr. Wilson announced his choice for Mayor of Chicago naming Paul Vallas as his choice to move to the Mayor’s seat.
““After having met with both Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson, the community, faith leaders, and engaged on social media, I am making my endorsement in the runoff for Mayor of Chicago. I believe that Paul Vallas will will make the city safe and affordable for everyone. I expect that my endorsement will provide a boost to his candidacy as I received more than 51,000 votes,” says Dr. Wilson.
Dr. Wilson also stated: “I appreciate all of those who voted for me. Paul Vallas will help lead our city in this difficult time.”
Brandon Johnson cook county Board President, toni Preckwinkle

- Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced her endorsement of Brandon Johnson’s campaign. The endorsement adds to a growing list and comes just a day after U.S. Rep.
Danny Davis (IL-07) announced his support for Commissioner Johnson.
Preckwinkle drew upon her depth of experience working with Johnson in praising his commitment to fighting for all of Chicago. Citing both his success as an organizer and his dedication and facility at advocating for working families and social justice as an elected official.
“With a genuine commitment to equity, opportunity and justice, Brandon has the skills, drive and per- sistence needed to turn promises into policy and policy into practice,” Preckwinkle said. “He understands that we must be a city that works for working families. He understands that Chicago can’t be a truly world-class city until everyone who lives here has a fair opportunity to build safe, prosperous, productive lives for themselves and their children.” congressman Danny Davis - U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07) announced his endorsement of Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson for mayor of Chicago. “I am proud to endorse Brandon Johnson for mayor of Chicago,” Rep. Davis said. “Brandon has a proven track record of fighting for working families and standing up to powerful interests. He has been a champion for education, affordable housing, and economic justice, and I know that he will bring that same commitment to the mayor’s office.” congressman Jonathan Jackson - Rep. Jackson (IL -01) became the second member of Chicago’s congressional delegation to endorse Commissioner Johnson. He joins Illinois State Rep. Mary Flowers and Cook County Commissioners Bill Lowry and Stanley Moore in supporting his platform of economic, racial, and housing justice.
“Commissioner Johnson’s vision for Chicago is deeply rooted in dignity and justice,” Congressman Jackson said. “The people deserve a mayor who will lead with compassion and creativity, and undo the years of trauma, and pain, that has plagued Chicago’s families and communities for far too long.
3rd ward ald. Pat Dowell – In a notable turn of events, Brandon Johnson was endorsed for mayor of Chicago by 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell. Ald. Dowell, the chair of the Chicago City Council Budget Committee, is the sixth member of the Council to endorse Commissioner Johnson.
“Brandon understands the approach necessary to face the many challenges facing Chicago,” Dowell, of the 3rd Ward, said in a news release. “His tireless work as a community organizer, public school teacher and Cook County commissioner illustrate his deep commitment to our city and our many communities. His willingness to sit at the table with other leaders to find beneficial solutions through compromise is exactly the type of mayor we need during these dire times. Leadership is not a one-way conversation with Brandon but a true dialogue.”
Additional endorsements for Brandon Johnson from Black elected officials include:
State rep. lakesia collins
20th ward alderperson Jeanette taylor
Bill lowry, cook county commissioner
Stanley Moore, cook county commissioner
The election for Mayor of Chicago is scheduled for April 4, and both campaigns have been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with endorsements from several many organizations unions, and community leaders throughout Chicago. Chicago News Weekly will keep you updated as the list continues to grow.