Chicago mayor's bumpy first year tests progressive credentials, puzzling some supporters
Onetime union organizer Brandon Johnson took office as Chicago’s mayor a year ago promising “bold” action as one of the country’s most progressive leaders
CHICAGO (AP) — When union organizer Brandon Johnson was elected Chicago mayor last year, he promised to unroll a “bold progressive movement” in the nation’s third-largest city. A year later, he shocked liberal Democrats by promoting plans for a multibillion dollar Bears stadium using public funds.
The rookie mayor’s first year has been full of bumps, testing his progressive credentials and doing little to win over critics. He has navigated an evolving migrant crisis, budget gaps, persistent crime and a troubled transit system, and while there have been some wins for workers and social services, he has struggled to appease a skeptical business community, police and even fellow Democrats.
By his own rating though, he’s successful.
“The work that we’ve done to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago through the lens of the progressive agenda is unmatched,” he told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “This is the work that I promised that I would do, and I’m doing it.”
