What’s UP in the world? Chicago Mayoral Election: Our Voice

By Kevin Scott Freelance Writer, Class of 2023, Bronzeville Campus

Chicago has clearly been disappointed with Lori Lightfoots mayoral impact these past 4 years. It was proven in this year's race when she received an unimpressive 17% of the vote. Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas lead this year's mayoral race. Both competitors made it to the mayoral runoff with 34% and 20% of the votes. Lightfoot, singled out for rising crime, has lost the confidence of Chicagoans, but mainly by educators and police.

Paul Vallas is a former CEO of Chicago Public Schools. He has built his mayoral campaign around reducing crime and improving public safety. He has also touted his record as a fixer who led public school systems in Chicago. Vallas is heavily backed by the Chicago police department, gaining 91% of their endorsements. Vallas has been highly favored so far.

Brandon Johnson, a former educator and organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, is heavily backed by the educators and the CTU. Johnson has spent most of his career educating children and fighting for working-class families. He is focusing his campaign on reforming schools and community safety by a ‘treatment not trauma’ approach to policing. Johnson also supports investing in programs that make our streets safer and provide resources for the homeless population.

Both candidates are Democrats, but their views vary widely, from school choice to measuring academic performance to how schools are funded. As a young Black man in the city of Chicago, I want someone in office that prioritizes the education of people of color and supports working-class com- munities. Brandon Johnson being a former educator and a Black man helps me identify with him more. It also makes me feel more confident in his agenda for helping Chicago progress, not leaving