Powerful Democrat’s Approval Rating Craters To 15%

Eighteen months into his tenure as mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson’s promise of a brighter future is wearing thin for many residents. After taking office in May 2023 with a message of unity and renewal, Johnson is now facing a political crisis, with a recent poll showing his approval rating has fallen to just 15%.

The Change Research survey, conducted in late November, paints a grim picture for the Democrat: 70% of Chicagoans now view him unfavorably, showing widespread frustration with his leadership. For a mayor who pledged to tackle the city’s rising crime rates and persistent economic challenges, the numbers suggest his administration has fallen short of expectations.

During his inaugural address, Johnson vowed to chart a new course for Chicago, assuring residents that a better day is ahead. However, his tenure has been marked by missteps and policies that have failed to deliver on those lofty promises. From crime to budgetary concerns, Johnson’s leadership has come under fire from both political opponents and disillusioned constituents.

Johnson has recently faced significant backlash due to his handling of two incidents involving antisemitism.

In late October a 39-year-old Orthodox Jewish man was shot while walking to a synagogue in Chicago’s West Rogers Park neighborhood. The suspect, Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack and confrontation with police. Initially, Abdallahi was charged with multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm, but no hate crime charges were filed.

CHICAGO, Ill. – August 19, 2024: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) addresses the 2024 Democratic National Convention in the United Center.

Mayor Johnson’s public statement following the incident offered “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” but did not acknowledge the victim’s Jewish identity or the potential antisemitic nature of the attack. The omission drew criticism from Jewish organizations and community leaders, who felt the mayor failed to recognize the specific targeting of the Jewish community. Alderman Debra Silverstein stated, “Don’t erase his identity and don’t try to minimize the fear and anxiety my community feels after this attack.”

Later, authorities expanded the charges against Abdallahi to include terrorism and hate crimes, citing evidence that he was targeting Jews.

Recently the Wall Street Journal named Mayor Johnson the “worst mayor in America.” This follows a resounding 50-0 defeat by the City Council, the mayor’s office has confirmed the rejection of his proposed $300 million property tax increase for the 2025 budget.

Democratic political strategist Delmarie Cobb said to CBS News, “This is an inflection point, and it’s a reflection point—because he really needs to reflect on what he wants his legacy to be.” When asked to grade Mayor Johnson, Delmarie Cobb assigned him a B minus.

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, a professor of political science, offered a harsher evaluation. “The honeymoon is well over. There has to be some wins coming,” said Caliendo. “If I have to give him a grade like a professor, I guess I’d be sitting at a C minus or a D at this point.”

“He’s making a series of curious decisions that doesn’t seem to acknowledge that he has some public opinion trouble,” said Caliendo.

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