Chicago’s Democrat Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced that he will seek a second term as mayor, and because this is Chicago, he’ll probably get it.
Johnson is boasting that the city has become safer and more affordable on his watch. Like most progressives, he is weirdly obsessed with Gaza and ICE.
CBS News reports:
Mayor Brandon Johnson announces reelection bid
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed his supporters at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center Sunday afternoon, officially announcing his bid for a second term.
With just over five months until voters cast ballots, Mayor Johnson cast himself as the progressive in a crowded race for mayor. With his family by his side at the announcement Sunday, he was eager to tout his wins.
“Progress has been made, because this city is better, stronger, safer than what I inherited,” Johnson said at the event.
Earlier in the day, Johnson released a campaign video just over two minutes long on social media, touting his accomplishments as mayor, from affordable housing to the city’s historically low homicide rate. He also mentioned the city’s response to federal agents during the immigration crackdown.
Meanwhile, Johnson emphasized, tourism numbers have surged.
Johnson followed up with another post on social media, saying, “I’m here because I’m the only candidate who’s fighting for working families. If you’re ready for a safer and more affordable Chicago, then now is our time!”
The mayor spoke last weekend on The Angle about his goals for the city.
“What I’m grateful for is that I made a commitment four years ago to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago. The ultimate goal is to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. We’re doing that,” he said.
Politico notes Johnson’s abysmal approval ratings:
The mayor confirmed his plans to POLITICO ahead of the announcement at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on the city’s South Side.He plans to argue that his administration has followed through on policies he pitched when he first ran for office and that there is still unfinished business ahead.
“I made a promise four years ago that I would work every day to build the safest, most affordable big city in America by investing in people, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Johnson said, pointing to investments in affordable housing, infrastructure and mental health clinics, along with declining crime rates.
But the mayor also faces high disapproval ratings, with support for a prospective reelection bid at just 13.6 percent, according to a recent University of Chicago Mansueto Institute poll. He’ll also have to take on a field of strong Democratic challengers, including Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Rep. Mike Quigley and state Comptroller Susana Mendoza – all of whom tack closer to the ideological center than Johnson.
Professor Jonathan Turley, who hails from Chicago, commented on Twitter/X.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson just announced that he is seeking a second term on the pitch that “our work is not done.” So Chicago will lose the Bears but keep Brandon Johnson? For my hometown, Johnson has been Nero without the musical talent …
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) September 14, 2026
…It appears that Nero simply was not bold enough. With Johnson’s skills, he could have run for the head of Rome on such catchy slogans as “more seizures with Caesar” and “smoking hot urban renewal with Nero.”
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) September 14, 2026
It’s going to be a crowded field.
Brandon Johnson Formally Launches 2027 Reelection Bid Amid Low Approval and Deepening Financial Crisis
On Sunday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson officially announced his bid for a second term, kicking off his campaign with a highly synchronized social media video followed by a… pic.twitter.com/wVY3v1LUgY
— Matt Robinson (@mattrobinson) September 15, 2026
Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.