The Chicago Mayoral runoff election will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Overseas voters who are eligible to vote in the runoff can access information using this link:
http://chicagoelections.gov/en/military-overseas-voters.html
Voters who reside in Chicago can access information using this link: http://www.elections.il.gov/
THE CANDIDATES
Brandon Johnson (Cook County Commissioner [2018-present], age 46)
“I will chart a new strategy for public safety, rather than relying on the same failed approaches that have brought trauma to communities across the city. I will work with police and first responders to invest in community-based interventions that de-escalate conflict, reduce violence and make our neighborhoods safer.”
If elected Mayor, he has proposed:
- training and promoting 200 new police detectives
- addressing crime by redirecting resources into mental health and education
- investing in education, training, school safety, mental health services and jobs
- supporting economic growth that is environmentally sustainable
- revitalizing neighborhood business districts and industrial developments to provide jobs
- improving CTA safety and reliability, creating bus lanes and more dedicated bike lanes
- a ‘Rideshare Living Wage’ to protect gig workers, such as ride share and delivery app drivers
- taxing profits of corporations doing >50% of their work in the city
Endorsements:
Chicago Teachers Union, United Working Families, SEIU Healthcare, Better Streets Chicago
Paul Vallas (Chicago Public Schools, Chief Executive Officer [1995-2001], age 69)
“Public safety is the fundamental right of every American. It is a civil right and it is the principal responsibility of government. We will make Chicago the safest city in America.”
If elected Mayor, he has proposed:
- hiring 1790 more police officers and ending overtime initiatives
- taking the “handcuffs” off of police
- replacing Chicago Police Dept. leadership, and increasing arrests and prosecutions
- reinstating a community policing strategy, with officers assigned to patrol police beats
- hiring Chicago Police officers to replace existing CTA mass transit officers
- creating a school voucher program, and lengthening the school day and year
- considering environmental impact in major economic development agreements
- creating a City Land Trust, to acquire control of closed industrial sites and vacant property,
and turn them over to developers and community organizations for development
Endorsements:
Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Gazette Editorial Board