NEAR WEST SIDE — Vermont senator and two time presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will headline a rally next week in support of mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson.
Sanders will join Johnson and other local politicians 7 p.m. Thursday at the UIC Forum, 1213 S. Halsted St.
Johnson, a Cook County commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, is facing former schools CEO Paul Vallas in the April 4 runoff.
Vallas came in first of nine candidates in the Feb. 28 election, receiving 33 percent of the vote. Johnson followed with about 22 percent. The two knocked out incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Along with fellow Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sanders backed Johnson against Vallas earlier this month.
Sanders and Warren are popular with progressives — a crowd Johnson has centered his recent campaign on. Sanders has seen significant support from progressives and young people in Chicago during his presidential campaigns.
Chicago rapper Vic Mensa and other musicians yet to be announced will also perform at Thursday’s rally.
Vallas and Johnson in recent weeks have both lined up big name endorsements from public officials, unions and other groups.
Vallas’ supporters include former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, retired Rep. Bobby Rush, former mayoral candidates Willie Wilson, Ja’Mal Green, Ald. Rod Sawyer (6th) and a group of West and South side alderpeople.
Johnson has been backed by former mayoral candidate Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson and various progressive alderpeople.
See Block Club’s full roundup of mayoral endorsements here. Election Day is April 4. Early voting is now underway.
Listen to “It’s All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast”:
