Chicago City Wire

This week, Amy Jacobson, host of Chicago's Morning Answer, talked about the ability of CTU voters to turn out to elections and win them. 

"They vote. And, they have a ground game," said Jacobson, host of Chicago's Morning Answer, about CTUs' presumed ability to mobilize voters.

Mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson has received an impressive array of endorsements from various organizations, highlighting his strong support within the Chicago community and among progressive organizations. These endorsers consist of unions, community groups, and a range of elected officials, all of whom embrace Johnson's commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and education equity.

A key endorsement comes from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which represents thousands of educators in the city. In throwing their support behind Johnson, the CTU showcases their confidence in his dedication to creating equitable education opportunities for all Chicago students. The CTU's backing is a significant boost for Johnson's campaign as the union has significant influence in city politics due to its large membership base.

Another notable organization supporting Johnson is the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Illinois State Council, which represents service and care workers in the state. SEIU's endorsement is a testament to Johnson's commitment to advancing social justice and improving working conditions for service sector employees. Additionally, the endorsement showcases Johnson's understanding of the issues facing thousands of underrepresented and often low-paid workers in the region.

Paul Vallas' endorsements have come from former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and former CPS board president Gery Chico. Ja'Mal Green endorsed Paul Vallas recently.

In the latest poll conducted by Lake Research Partners, mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson has moved ahead by five points, taking the lead against his rival, Paul Vallas. With just a few weeks left until the election, the survey of 800 likely mayoral runoff voters in Chicago reveals Johnson's growing support among the city's residents.

The recent poll showed that 40% of the respondents reported they would be voting for Vallas. However, 45% expressed their support for Johnson, giving him a significant advantage as both candidates ramp up their campaign efforts. With 14% of the voters still undecided and 1% stating they were supporting another candidate, there is still room for change before election day. It's worth noting that the margin of error for this survey is +/-3.46%.

Kansas City Councilman Brandon Johnson has been making waves on the campaign trail with his groundbreaking "Treatment Not Trauma" approach to mental health crises. This innovative policy aims to substitute armed police officers with mental health professionals when responding to individuals experiencing a mental health breakdown. According to Johnson, this alternative response system will save taxpayer money and significantly reduce incidents of violence related to mental health crises.

Quoting alarming statistics on the high number of police-inflicted injuries and fatalities during mental health interventions, Councilman Johnson is calling for change in Kansas City. He firmly believes that utilizing mental health professionals in crisis responses will not only improve the safety of those in distress but also help to reduce the mounting distress in communities arising from the use of excessive force by law enforcement.

Mayoral hopeful, Johnson, recently unveiled an ambitious healthcare plan that aims to prioritize and strengthen reproductive services in Chicago. His strategy is centered on enhancing public health clinics, particularly in underprivileged communities, as well as incorporating reproductive services into the health insurance plans provided to city employees. Johnson vows to champion the rights of women and non-binary individuals, whilst ensuring easy and affordable access to reproductive health care for all residents of the city.

Paul Vallas, a candidate for Mayor of Chicago, has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle the city's public safety issues. His strategy involves boosting the number of police officers on the streets, enhancing their training and accountability, and increasing funds for community-based policing initiatives. Additionally, Vallas intends to implement various measures to curb gun violence in Chicago.

Recognizing the critical role mental health services and job training play in preventing criminal activity, Vallas seeks to expand these resources for at-risk youth, offering them greater opportunities for employment and personal development. This multifaceted approach is aimed at not only improving public safety but also fostering a healthier, more inclusive community.

As part of his vision for a safer Chicago, Paul Vallas plans to form the Women’s Commission for Health and Safety once he steps into office. In a groundbreaking move, he will also appoint the city's first Deputy Mayor for Women’s Health and Safety, who will be tasked with executing a three-point plan to improve the lives of women in the Windy City.

Vallas's contributions total $58,605.25. Johnson's contributions total $8,374,518.