Chicago mayoral election results: Brandon Johnson elected next mayor as Paul Vallas concedes

 

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Brandon Johnson came out to thank voters after being the predicted winner of Chicago's mayoral election. , Out of 99% of the counties reported, Johnson has 51% of the vote with 286,647 votes and Vallas has 49% of the vote with 270,775 v. The 47-year-old Cook County Commissioner won Chicago's mayoral race six months ago in favor of a candidate win in a major misunderstanding. A progressive Democrat faces the challenge of uniting a city divided over how to deal with crime and other serious problems. He said Tuesday night that he was starting a new chapter for the city. "The truth is, people have always worked for Chicago"; Johnson says. “Whether you get up early to open your business doors, wear a badge to protect our streets, care for patients in need, or care for children, you've always worked for this city, and now Chicago will start working for its people . In his victory speech, Johnson struck a triumphant and very optimistic tone, explaining what tonight meant, the civil rights movement and the workers' rights movement had finally won, and declaring that his government would be a government that truly belongs to the people in Chicago. He also concluded his speech by saying it was time to "celebrate the rebirth and resurrection of the city of Chicago." Johnson thanked voters outside of the CTA closes Wednesday morning. "I want to thank the people of the City of Chicago for their faith in our movement," Johnson said. A former Chicago public school teacher was licensed by the Chicago Teachers Union and the President of CTU released a statement saying, “Chicago spoke today. Chicago has said yes to hope; Yes to investing in people; yes to housing for the homeless and yes to supporting young people in fully funded schools.It's a new day in our city.” Meanwhile, Democrat Paul Vallas, a former CPS executive and city budget director, stood before a crowd of stunned supporters Tuesday night as he delivered his concession speech. "It's time for everyone in Chicago to put aside their differences and come together and work to support the overwhelming task that faces our next mayor," Vallas said of his victory. I am engaged in a productive partnership that supports our shared priority of making Chicago an even better place to live, work, do business and raise families."