We need a progressive, multiracial coalition to propel Chicago forward
I began my public career lifted up by a multiracial, multiethnic, intergenerational and progressive coalition. And as I decide who to endorse in this election, I will honor that coalition. This is not a decision I take lightly. I make it standing for the best interests of the progressive movement and without a bended knee. The choice is clear to ensure Chicago is a city of strong public schools; stable, livable and walkable neighborhoods; and a bulwark of progressive values.
It is through this lens that I see Brandon Johnson as the right choice. That is why I am endorsing him for mayor.
Brandon and I do not agree on everything, but we do agree on the fundamentals of Chicago’s problems and that solutions must be community-based and inclusive.
For instance, we agree that public safety is a clear challenge and we must build trust between Chicagoans and the police while growing the city’s crisis response capacity. In 2021, Chicago had nearly six times the per capita rate of homicides than New York’s and nearly three times that of Los Angeles. During this time, Chicago committed more resources to sworn officers than either city: Civilians make up 29.5% of the total staff in the New York Police Department, 22.4% in Los Angeles and only 9.0% in Chicago.
Strengthening public safety inclusively means investing in more civilian hires and trained mental health specialists to provide trauma-informed responses and alleviate the burden on sworn officers.
Brandon and I also agree it’s time we stop overburdening Black and Latino communities with industrial pollution and create a more community-based, transparent zoning and permitting processes. As community members and parents, Brandon and I have seen firsthand the health effects of environmental injustice. Similarly, we’ve both defended our communities in demand for greater equity, which is why I know Brandon will continue to advocate for strong environmental and health reforms.
As Cook County commissioner, Brandon understands the importance of a strong, comprehensive health care system. That’s why I’m confident he will make a real commitment to unfettered access to health care by integrating the county and city systems including mental health services. Every resident in every neighborhood must have access to comprehensive health and public health services, including gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals, abortion care and maternal health care for pregnant people.
Brandon and I recognize that Chicago also needs a coherent plan and prompt, reliable funding to improve and grow our neighborhoods and neighborhood businesses, including full-service grocery stores, in conjunction with affordable housing and more frequent reliable public transit. Housing is a lot less affordable if it is untethered to comprehensive health care, good schools, full-service grocery stores and reliable public transportation. We need safe streets for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists. Brandon will work with the City Council, the state and the communities to find the funding and invest in those communities.
We need a mayor that understands that Chicago’s future depends on continued immigration from all corners of the world. Community participation is integral to welcoming immigrants, providing them with the tools to succeed and to ensure seamless integration. We must remove all barriers to participation for our immigrant communities at the municipal level. I believe that Brandon understands this and will work toward these goals
Latinos are emerging as a decisive voting bloc, which needs to be matched by the sustained attention, hiring and cooperation of Chicago’s administration. That means engaging and respecting Latinos year-round, not just during election cycles. I have hope that Brandon will show us that respect.
Chicago needs inclusive, diverse and progressive leadership to work for all residents. I’ve dedicated my life in public service to advance a progressive agenda by building a pipeline of leaders, and I continue that legacy now by endorsing Brandon Johnson to become the next mayor of Chicago.