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Former candidate for Chicago mayor Chuy García, Rev. Jesse Jackson endorse Brandon Johnson

By Fox 32 Digital Staff
Updated  March 17, 2023 3:54pm CDT
Election
FOX 32 Chicago

Vallas, Johnson continue to rack up endorsements for runoff election

A new round of endorsements were announced Friday for the Chicago mayoral runoff election.

CHICAGO - Former candidate for Chicago mayor and U.S. Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García endorsed Brandon Johnson during a news conference today. 

In the February 28 election, Congressman García earned 13.68% of the vote, winning a majority of the wards on the Southwest Side of the city.

Brandon Johnson endorsed by Congressman, former candidate Chuy García

Congressman Chuy García endorsed mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson today at a news conference. García says Johnson's plans for public safety and affordable housing make him the best choice for mayor.

"I’m proud to join coalitions with Commissioner Johnson and believe he mostly closely aligns with my vision for the city of Chicago," said Congressman García. "Despite being opponents during February’s election, Commissioner Johnson and I have shared priorities for our city, including public safety, quality education, affordable housing, community development, and ensuring Chicago remains a safe and welcoming city to immigrant communities."

Several Southwest Side leaders and elected officials have joined Congressman García in endorsing Johnson for mayor. Johnson also scored the first endorsement from a statewide official this week with the support of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

Chicago mayoral race heats up as more endorsements come in

Political consultant Delmarie Cobb breaks down the latest news coming out of the Chicago mayoral race between Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson.

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Prominent U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren announced their support for Johnson this week as well. 

"I’m honored to earn the support of Congressman García and grateful for the opportunity to join our coalitions together for the betterment of all Chicagoans," said Commissioner Johnson. "Congressman García has long been an exemplary public servant in his many elected roles. His commitment to progressive values and independent politics have made this moment possible, as well as his mentorship to develop the next generation of leaders." 

At a separate event Friday, Rev. Jesse Jackson also formally backed Johnson. 

Meanwhile, Paul Vallas has support from the city's Black, elected leaders. Aldermen Michelle Harris, Anthony Beale, David Moore, Derrick Curtis, and Emma Mitts pledged their support for Vallas.

Chicago mayoral election: New round of endorsements announced

A new round of endorsements has been announced in the Chicago mayoral election, including a second high-profile endorsement for Brandon Johnson.

He is also backed by other former mayoral candidates Ja’Mal Green, Willie Wilson, and Alderman Roderick Sawyer.

Polling has showed Vallas and Johnson in a tight race for the April 4th runoff.

Early voting begins, citywide, on Monday.