The Latest Breaking News from Brandon Johnson

Their backgrounds — Paul Vallas, a technocrat devoted to school choice, and Brandon Johnson, a teachers union organizer — help explain clashing views on school reform.

Today’s update is about an eight-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Jim Franczek described Paul Vallas as a “pretty independent guy” while he’s wary of Brandon Johnson’s ties to the Chicago Teachers Union.

CHICAGO — U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” García endorsed Brandon Johnson for Chicago mayor Friday, giving the Cook County commissioner a potential boost in the April 4 election.

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia finished in fourth place with 13.8% of the vote on Feb. 28, but his endorsement was coveted by both Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas.

As Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson barnstorm in churches and parades before the April 4 runoff, policing and public education are front and center. This election also touches on power, identity, and of course, race.

CHICAGO — Chicago mayoral candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson highlighted their campaign strategies Thursday evening in a contentious debate where they were given the opportunity to ask one another a question.

During their first televised debate last week, Brandon Johnson was the undisputed aggressor. That night, Paul Vallas played it safe by trying to remain above the fray. On Thursday, it was a dramatically different Vallas who showed up to debate his runoff opponent at ABC7 Chicago.

Voter vehemence on both sides of the proposed new bail law could cost the candidates votes.

What does a so-called blue city look like in local politics? Vallas and Johnson identify as Democrats, but the distance between them is longer than a Chicago winter.

Paul Vallas touted endorsements from the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. and five City Council members.