Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in our sister publication, the Tribuno del Pueblo
Chicago’s mayoral election had nine candidates this year with many believing the runoff election would be between incumbent Mayor Lightfoot and U.S. Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. In order to win a candidate must secure at least 50% of the vote in the general election; if no one secures the 50%, the top two candidates will head to a runoff election on April 4. The runoff is now between former CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Paul Vallas and Cook County Board Commissioner Brandon Johnson.
At the beginning of the mayoral race, many latino residents were siding with Chuy based on name recognition. Chuy has a long career in politics and is widely known for working with former progressive mayor Harold Washington. Although Chuy refers to himself as a progressive candidate, many grassroots organizations feel as if he has not been present enough in their communities for a long time. In fact, he has tried to unseat progressive aldermen like Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th ward by endorsing and supporting more conservative candidates. Despite his lack of involvement, Latines have been anxious to see someone who looks like them represent them at City Hall. But as we have learned with Mayor Lightfoot, identity politics will not save us.
Lightfoot’s administration was believed to be a turning point in favor of vulnerable communities because she is Chicago’s first Black lesbian mayor. However, residents saw her prioritize investing in police rather than other city services like education. During the George Floyd riots she condemned protestors and at one point kettled demonstrators downtown by raising the bridges in the Chicago River so that police could arrest and brutalize them.
For more information on the election, el Tribuno del Pueblo interviewed Tatiana Solis, resident and organizer of Pilsen. Solis has organized for affordable housing against the rapid gentrification in the Latine neighborhood of Pilsen. Most recently, she was an organizer for Sigcho-Lopez’s re-election where she also worked to promote Brandon Johnson. When asked why she believed Johnson was the best choice for mayor she said, “Even before running [for mayor] he was seen in rallies, meetings, and events. No matter who, where, or what. He’s changed the way people see progressives.” As a former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teacher Johnson has been on the frontlines advocating for working class communities. In 2015, Johnson joined a hunger strike to reopen Dyett high school, a majority Black school on the southside of Chicago. Showing up for our communities is not new to Johnson, and his type of progressive leadership is what we need in city hall.
Photo by Paul Goyette.
Running against Johnson is Paul Vallas who has a history of prioritizing private businesses over people. Under his leadership in CPS, charter schools were built all over the city while public schools suffered cuts. In 2001, parents and community members led a hunger strike after Vallas would not approve construction of a new high school in Little Village, a predominantly Latine southside neighborhood. Tatiana Solis also believes Vallas would increase police funding and continue the city’s $9 million contract with ShotSpotter, a noise detector system that sends police armed and speeding to neighborhoods under the belief that gunshots were fired. However, activists have pointed out that the system is faulty and picks up other noises, putting communities at risk of discrimination. Vallas has also been endorsed by the conservative Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
Brandon on the other hand has been endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union, Bernie Sanders, Mijente, and in a surprise turn of events, former opponent Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. Chuy’s endorsement may signal Chuy trying to get back in touch with progressives but it also shows how people all over the city are coming together to support a candidate who speaks for the interests of the working class. Chicago has not seen a progressive mayor like Brandon since 1983, when Chicago elected Harold Washington. Chicago doesn’t need someone who simply looks Black and/or Brown. We need a candidate who will invest in our communities instead of policing them.
Early voting begins March 20th. Election day is April 4th. Register to vote and head to the polls!
