Chicago, once ruled by the formidable Mayor Richard J. Daley, now finds itself in a political landscape vastly different from its glory days. The decline of Daley’s political machine has left a power vacuum filled by competing factions, notably the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which has emerged as a dominant force in the city’s politics. Brandon Johnson, a product of CTU’s influence, became mayor in 2023, but his leadership has been marred by incompetence and controversy.
Despite being backed by the influential CTU, Johnson’s tenure as mayor has been characterized by a series of missteps and failures. His most notable achievement, if it can be called that, was pushing through a ceasefire resolution on Gaza, a move that drew criticism for prioritizing international affairs over local issues.
Johnson’s approach to governance has alienated key communities in Chicago. His focus on funding services for illegal immigrants at the expense of the black community has sparked discontent and accusations of misplaced priorities. His clash with Governor J.B. Pritzker over migrant shelter funding further highlighted his inability to navigate complex political relationships effectively.
A glaring example of Johnson’s ineptitude was his ill-conceived plan to relocate migrants from downtown shelters to a South Side ward. The proposal faced staunch opposition from local aldermen and property owners, ultimately leading to its withdrawal. The lack of communication and coordination exposed fundamental flaws in Johnson’s administration, drawing criticism from both political opponents and community leaders.
The handling of the migrant crisis and other policy failures have raised doubts about Johnson’s ability to lead Chicago effectively. As protests and challenges mount, questions arise about who Johnson will blame for the chaos unfolding under his watch. The Biden campaign, closely watching developments in major cities like Chicago, may find itself concerned about the ramifications of Johnson’s leadership on national politics and public perception.