Bernie Sanders endorses Brandon Johnson in Chicago mayoral race

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), entered the contentious Democratic race to be Chicago’s mayor and endorsed Brandon Johnson (progressive Cook County Commissioner).

Sanders heaped praise upon Johnson for being a great person. “champion for working families” Increasing taxes on the wealthy to support social service initiatives. Johnson has taken a more progressive position on many issues than Paul Vallas who was the ex-CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

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“He is not afraid to stand up for strong unions and make big corporations and the rich pay their fair share to invest in affordable housing, quality health care, better schools, and good jobs,” Sanders made the statement in a statement. “Brandon understands the struggles of working people, and is prepared to address them, and that is why I am proud to endorse his campaign for mayor of the city of Chicago.”

National attention was drawn to the Chicago race after Lori Lightfoot, the incumbent Democratic mayor of Chicago, lost reelection. This is her first loss since 1989. Her response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw high levels of homelessness and crime, was criticized.

Johnson was happy for Sanders’s support. Recently, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D.MA) endorsed him.

“I’m honored to have the support of Senator @BernieSanders in this campaign. Our movement is about fighting for working people, and that is what Sen. Sanders has done his entire life. Together, we will deliver the change we need to build a better, safer Chicago,” Johnson tweets

According to polls, the race is close between them. They advanced to the runoff following the February 28th election. Victory Research conducted a poll that showed Vallas leading Johnson by 44.9% and 39.1%, respectively.

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Johnson has drifted to the left on safety issues, while Vallas has been positioned as the law-and-order candidate. Vallas has been criticized by progressives for his support of school choice and is backed in part by the Fraternal order of Police.

They will face off in April’s mayoral runoff.