© 2025 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State Week: Brandon Johnson's Chicago victory and the challenges ahead

State Week logo (capitol dome)
Brian Mackey
/
NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Chicago voters narrowly chose Brandon Johnson over Paul Vallas in this week's mayoral runoff election. The two brought different visions, especially on issues of crime and policing as well as schools. It also became clear the progressive Johnson was able to gain more support among younger voters.

But now that Johnson has won, he inherits many challenges. We discuss the election and what the new mayor will have on his plate.

Our panel features host Sean Crawford, Professor Emeritus Charlie Wheeler and Chicago Tonight's City Politics Reporter Heather Cherone.

The former director of the Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) graduate program is Professor Charles N. Wheeler III, a veteran newsman who came to the University of Illinois at Springfield following a 24-year career at the Chicago Sun-Times.
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.