Chicago's Mayoral Election: Brandon Johnson's Victory and CTU's Influence

Brandon Johnson, a progressive and former teacher, has won the Chicago mayoral race, defeating well-financed moderate Paul Vallas. Johnson ran on a platform of taxing the wealthy to boost citywide services and investing in neighborhoods and schools across the city. He overcame blowback over past comments about decreasing police funding and was buoyed by the organizational strength of powerful city unions, including the Chicago Teachers Union and the Service Employees International Union. Johnson's victory marks a stunning turn in the race and caps a meteoric rise for the Cook County commissioner and activist.