CHICAGO (WLS) — Brandon Johnson will officially become Chicago's 57th mayor when he is sworn in Monday afternoon.
ABC7 Anchor Cheryl Burton talks one-on-one with Johnson about her plans to unify the city and build a better, safer, and stronger Chicago.
Johnson will be the first Chicago mayor to live on the city's West Side. It is a unique perspective and experience that he says will influence his leadership. The husband and father of three knows firsthand how his family and faith helped guide him and he reveals a lighter side as he reflects on the enormity of running the nation's third largest city.
“I'm still tripping a little bit. We're really doing this, so it's still sinking in,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he had spent his entire life preparing for this monumental moment. Burton met him on the fifth floor of transition headquarters just hours from his inauguration as Chicago's 57th mayor. This would be the fifth floor of the Town Hall where the transformation of the heritage would be cemented in history.
Johnson was reminded of what President Joe Biden said to him during their first meeting in Selma, Alabama, marking Bloody Sunday.
“I'll never forget, and, he said, ‘the mayor of Chicago,' he said, ‘his job is harder than mine.' And, he said, “primarily, people know where you live, and they can access you at home,” but he also said, “local government is one of the most powerful ways in which you can influence the daily lives of individuals.” There's no better or faster way to do it, and I appreciate the advice.”
Johnson said he will use the advice as he tries to navigate the challenging and daunting task of tackling the city's many problems. The mayor-elect went to Washington, DC this week to meet with lawmakers to help him secure funding and assurances that he has support, at higher levels, that helps his agenda.
Burton asked Johnson if he had a plan to deal with the influx of migrants coming to Chicago.
“I don't want the people of Chicago, and especially Black Chicagoans, to feel like they're not being seen or heard. It's important that we remain a welcoming city. So, in other words, we have to make sure that we provide support for our families, and for our family, and those who want to call the city of Chicago home,” Johnson replied.
Burton also asked Johnson what he felt was the biggest misconception about him.
“I believe some people have seen my body work during my career as a teacher, as an organizer, commissioner of Cook County. They have made some assumptions about my priorities, and somehow, that means they are excluded, and that's just not who I am,” Johnson said. .
Johnson said he learned compassion and compassion from his parents, and they have been an inspiration even in the darkest of times. Chaos and crime at the hands of youth unsettles and discourages this former youth pastor and father of three.
He has a message for young people who want to break the law and create fear and instability around the city: “I love you. I see you. I hear you. I respect you, and stop it.”
Johnson also spoke about his plan to ensure that the people of Chicago are safe.
“It's a layered plan. I mean, it's definitely going to require that law enforcement have a high concentration in or across the city of Chicago, where there's a greater tendency for violence to occur. But, we also have to make sure that we include our faith community.” , away from the violence that plagues our business community,” Johnson said.
Johnson said it was his own teenage son who made him realize the impact of his election. He recalled his son's words.
“‘Dad, before you make the announcement, I need a little time to adjust,' because, he said, ‘I need to know who is real in my life,'” Johnson said.
Johnson said he is grateful for the love and support of his family, especially his wife of 25 years, Stacie, whom he describes as his confidant and compass. He will represent Chicago as his partner in the city that shaped his life.
“Here's the part we were really excited about, and maybe tripped up a bit at the same time: We didn't realize that my wife was making history. So, she would become the first black first lady in Chicago history. She looked me in the face and said, ‘You might have won, but I made history,'” Johnson said.
On Monday, during special coverage of the ABC7 inauguration, Johnson will discuss the pressing issues facing the city on day one, and what he thinks it takes to be a successful mayor.
ABC7 Chicago will have full live coverage of Johnson's inauguration on Monday starting at 10 a.m. You can also watch it on our website, news app or wherever you stream.