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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson currently holds a 28% approval rating, according to a recent poll conducted by Echelon Insights on behalf of the Illinois Policy Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank. The survey, which polled 800 registered Chicago voters between October 18 and 22, highlights mixed public sentiment during his early months in office.
Half of those surveyed expressed disapproval of Johnson’s performance as mayor, while 22% were undecided. Johnson, who won the April 2023 mayoral election with 52.1% of the vote, faces challenges similar to those encountered by past mayors. His approval rating mirrors the lows experienced by former mayors Rahm Emanuel after the Laquan McDonald scandal and Lori Lightfoot in the month she lost her re-election bid. Historically, mayors early in their terms often enjoy higher approval ratings, suggesting Johnson has room to refine his approach and address public concerns.
Consistent with the Illinois Policy Institute's polling results, Urban Center Action and M3 Strategies, both Democratic organizations, also released polling data showing the mayor's approval rating at 26%, with 60% of residents viewing his performance unfavorably.
Low approval ratings have been a challenge for other Chicago mayors as well. For example, Michael Bilandic faced a 33% approval rating in 1979 following a significant blizzard that disrupted the city and contributed to his electoral defeat.
The recent poll indicates Johnson's strongest support comes from voters aged 18-29, with 32% approving of his performance. In contrast, his approval rating is lowest among those aged 40-49, at 24%, while voters aged 50-64 expressed the highest disapproval. These numbers are especially significant given the rising dissent among Chicagoans, evident in City Council meetings where the mayor faces vocal opposition. Notably, Chicago Red, a growing grassroots movement, has gained popularity and notoriety both locally and nationally, with viral messages spreading through YouTube and other independent media outlets.
Public concerns about crime and public safety appear to weigh heavily on Johnson’s approval ratings, with two-thirds of respondents expressing dissatisfaction in this area. Additionally, majorities were critical of his handling of housing, homelessness, and the migrant crisis. Thousands of asylum seekers in Chicago are preparing to face winter in heated tents, underscoring ongoing challenges for the administration.
These findings suggest that Mayor Johnson has significant opportunities to address pressing issues and rebuild public trust as his term progresses.