How a former teacher and union organizer became the 57th mayor of Chicago

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Brandon Johnson rose from a Chicago Public Schools classroom to the city's highest office by championing progressive labor and education reform. His 2023 mayoral victory, fueled by grassroots organizing, marked a significant shift in local politics, though his administration has since navigated complex challenges regarding public safety and economic policy.

Born in Elgin, Illinois, in 1976, Brandon Johnson began his career as a social studies teacher within the Chicago Public Schools system. His early professional life was deeply intertwined with the Chicago Teachers Union, where he served as an organizer and played a pivotal role in the 2012 teachers strike. This background in labor advocacy served as the foundation for his political trajectory, which began in 2018 when he was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners. During his tenure there, he focused on progressive policy, including the 2019 Just Housing Ordinance, which prohibited landlords from considering a prospective tenant's criminal history.

Johnson's 2023 mayoral campaign was defined by a coalition of progressive groups and labor unions, including the Chicago Teachers Union and United Working Families. Despite being significantly outspent by his runoff opponent, Paul Vallas, Johnson secured an upset victory by emphasizing community-based solutions to crime, such as youth hiring and mental health investment, rather than expanding police force numbers. His platform also included ambitious revenue proposals, such as new taxes on high-value real estate transfers and financial transactions, to fund homelessness prevention and public services.

Since taking office in May 2023, Johnson has faced a demanding political landscape, including low approval ratings and legislative hurdles. His administration has pursued initiatives like the 2025 Green Social Housing ordinance, which aims to finance mixed-income housing through city-run nonprofits while meeting sustainability standards. However, his efforts have not been without friction; for instance, his proposed 'Bring Chicago Home' referendum, which sought to increase real estate transfer taxes on properties over $1 million, was rejected by voters in 2024. As he looks toward his 2027 re-election, Johnson continues to navigate the tension between his progressive policy goals and the practical realities of governing a major American city.

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