CITY HALL — Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson and outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot met in-person for almost 90 minutes Thursday as the transition between Chicago’s 56th and 57th mayor began.
Political foes just six weeks ago, Lightfoot and Johnson gathered Thursday afternoon on the fifth floor of City Hall for about double the amount of time they had originally scheduled.
Lightfoot greeted Johnson and posed for photos as the two shook hands — but otherwise did not address the media before or after the meeting.
The mayor has not taken questions from reporters about her future plans or legacy since she lost her reelection bid Feb. 28.
In brief remarks, Johnson said he was “deeply humbled” for his reception by Lightfoot and called it a historic moment in the city of Chicago.
“The first Black woman, LGBTQ [mayor] transitioned her administration to another Black mayor. It’s a very great day for the city of Chicago. We are going to be united. We are going to be a strong city,” he said.
Johnson defeated former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in Tuesday’s runoff, the culmination of a campaign that was polling in single digits as recently as late last year.
Johnson will be the fourth Black mayor in Chicago’s history — and perhaps the most progressive since Harold Washington, if not ever. He’s promised to back sweeping changes to how the city taxes the wealthy, funds homelessness initiatives, sponsors mental health services and more.
But while Johnson stressed unity with and gratitude to Lightfoot, the moment came not long after the two frequently traded jabs on the campaign trail and in debates.
At a Jan 31. debate, Lightfoot accused Johnson and then mayoral candidate Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García of being “defunders” of the police — rhetoric which would resurface frequently in the runoff.
“The defunder on the stage is actually Mayor Lori Lightfoot — and Paul Vallas,” Johnson countered at the time. “Refer to me as the investor in chief.”
And a campaign event in January, Lightfoot dismissed the Chicago Teachers’ Union endorsement of Johnson, telling supporters that “Brandon Johnson isn’t going to be mayor of this city,” according to Semafor reporter Dave Weigel.
On Thursday, Johnson spoke only in positive terms about the outgoing mayor and their conversation, stressing that Lightfoot had offered to be a resource to his administration and they “didn’t really discuss” the campaign.
“The mayor and her administration is committed to have a smooth transition. They are prepared to leave us with the macro aspect of transition but also very micro dynamics that play a part in governance. Her and her entire team have worked tirelessly to make sure that the transition is smooth,” Johnson said.
“Our collective teams have had a very collegial exchange which is something that is quite comforting. And should be comforting for the city of Chicago.”
Aas he entered City Hall and walked into the mayor’s office, Johnson said he was hit by a flood of emotions and the gravity of the moment.
“I thought a lot about my parents, and my mother in particular, who’s no longer with us,” Johnson said. He thought of “the real opportunity to bring people together and how the office of the mayor has a role and a responsibility to do that. I really begin to feel that once I crossed that threshold.”
Johnson and all 50 alderpeople will be sworn into office May 15.
