Brandon Johnson

57th mayor of Chicago, former Cook County commissioner, and former teacher.

via Wikipedia: Brandon Johnson (wide receiver) · see source

Brandon Johnson (born March 27, 1976) is an American politician and former educator who since 2023 has served as the 57th mayor of Chicago. A member of the Democratic Party, Johnson previously served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 2018 to 2023, representing the 1st district.

Quick Facts

Current team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Position: Wide receiver
Born: 26 July 1998
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
High school: American Heritage School
College: Tennessee (2016–2020); UCF (2021)

Lore & Background

Johnson was born in Elgin, Illinois, one of ten children born to Andrew and Wilma Jean Johnson. His father was a pastor and worked at the Elgin Mental Health Center. Johnson attended Elgin High School, where he played baseball and was an all-conference defensive lineman in football. He earned a bachelor's degree in youth development in 2004 and a master's degree in teaching in 2007, both from Aurora University. He worked as a social studies teacher in Chicago Public Schools and was an active member of the Chicago Teachers Union, helping organize their 2012 strike. He was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 2018, defeating incumbent Richard Boykin, and was reelected in 2022. He ran successfully for mayor of Chicago in 2023, defeating Paul Vallas in a runoff.

Reader's Guide

Brandon Johnson is a progressive Democrat who has focused on combating homelessness and enacting police and education reform as mayor. He has faced low approval numbers throughout his term. His family lives in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago.

Did You Know?

Johnson met his wife, Stacie Rencher, at a religious convention.
He was the chief sponsor of the Just Housing Ordinance, which prohibits landlords from asking about or considering a prospective tenant's criminal history.