Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s mayor-elect, vows to represent all: ‘Today, the dream is alive’

Brandon Johnson defeated Paul Vallas in Tuesday’s election to become the next mayor of Chicago, a stunning rebuke of the political establishment by the unapologetically progressive Cook County commissioner whose campaign themes of racial justice and uplifting the working class caught fire.

“Chicago, tonight is just the beginning,” Johnson said as he kicked off a emphatic victory speech, which aimed to strike a conciliatory and upbeat tone after a polarizing campaign against former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas to lead the nation’s third-largest city.

“With our voices and our votes, we have ushered in a new chapter in the history of our city,” Johnson said. “And now, Chicago will begin to work for its people — all the people.”