CHICAGO– Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued this statement tonight following Brandon Johnson’s mayoral election win.
“It is truly an historic day for Chicago! For the first time, a public school teacher and union organizer has been elected to lead our proud, working class city. Voters recognized that Brandon Johnson was the clear choice, and every Chicagoan will be better off with him at the helm.
“Chicago voters chose Brandon’s inspiring vision of unity and hope over his opponent’s vision of division and fear. In Brandon Johnson, Chicago will now have a true leader for all people – an honest man who will work to build a better, stronger, safer, more equitable city for everyone, from the North Side to the South Side and in every city neighborhood.
“As mayor, we know that Brandon will focus on what this city and its people need to move forward – fully-resourced public schools for students of every color in every zip code, safer streets, increased mental health services to address the root causes of violence and poverty, affordable housing, and good paying, green jobs.
“Brandon Johnson will be a mayor who listens to the voices of the people he serves, not political insiders or special interest groups with harmful agendas.
“I am so proud of our IFT members in Chicago and across the state who worked hard to help get Brandon to the fifth floor; they understand that a rising tide lifts all ships. Mayor Johnson’s work to uplift the students, schools, workers, and businesses in Chicago will have a positive impact on our entire state. I thank all our members who donated their time and energy to Brandon’s campaign.
“The IFT offers our proud and heartfelt congratulations to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson. We look forward to working with our union brother to help make his inspiring vision for Chicago a reality for us all.”