Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) waded into the contentious Democratic race for Chicago mayor, endorsing progressive Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson.
Sanders lavished praise on Johnson for being a “champion for working families” and backing initiatives for social services by ramping up taxes on the rich. Johnson has taken more progressive positions on myriad issues relative to his foe, Paul Vallas, the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools.
“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 said 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.”
The Chicago contest garnered national attention after incumbent Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost reelection, the first incumbent to do so since 1989. She had been under fire for high levels of crime and homelessness and her response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson welcomed Sanders’s backing. He was recently endorsed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) last week.
“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 tweeted.
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.
Not me, us. ✊🏿 https://t.co/It9TT1IPI5
— Brandon Johnson (@Brandon4Chicago) March 16, 2023
Polls have pegged a tight race between the two, who advanced to a runoff after the Feb. 28 election. One recent poll conducted by Victory Research found Vallas edging out Johnson 44.9% to 39.1%.
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Johnson has lurched to the left on public safety compared to Vallas, who has positioned himself as the law and order candidate. Vallas is backed by the Fraternal Order of Police and has rankled progressives over his support for school choice.
The pair are slated to face off in the April 4 mayoral runoff.
