Mayor Brandon Johnson's Approval Plummets to 26% Amidst "Revisionist" Policies, Critics Allege

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces significant public discontent, with a recent poll indicating his approval rating has fallen to 26%. This low standing has prompted sharp criticism from commentators like Peter Bonilla, who connected the mayor's "revisionism" to his perceived unpopularity and ineffectiveness. The University of Chicago Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation's August 2025 poll revealed that 58% of residents disapprove of Johnson's job performance, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction across various demographics.

The mayor's tenure has been marked by several contentious policy shifts and challenges. His "Bring Chicago Home" initiative, aimed at increasing real estate transfer taxes to fund homelessness services, was defeated by voters in 2024, signaling public resistance to his proposed economic changes. Critics also point to his administration's handling of the migrant crisis and significant issues within Chicago Public Schools, where Johnson, a former teacher, has faced scrutiny over leadership changes and budget negotiations.

Peter Bonilla, in a social media post, stated, "You can, alas, draw a line connecting this, er, revisionism to the fact that Chicago has perhaps the most unpopular, least effective big city mayor in America." This sentiment echoes broader concerns about Johnson's progressive governance philosophy, which has sought to reallocate resources from policing to social programs and address root causes of crime. While the mayor's office claims progress in reducing homicides and shootings, public perception often focuses on the city's overall trajectory and the effectiveness of these new approaches.

Johnson's approach to public safety, including his decision to override the City Council to cancel the city's ShotSpotter gunshot detection program, has drawn particular criticism. This move, along with a perceived lack of urgency in addressing the city's detective shortage, has led two-thirds of Chicagoans to disapprove of his handling of crime. Political analysts suggest that the mayor's activist background may have ill-prepared him for the complexities of city management, contributing to a sense of "incompetence" among voters.

The low approval ratings are particularly striking given that Johnson is only two years into his first term. Comparisons are frequently drawn to previous Chicago mayors who faced similar or even higher approval ratings before opting not to seek re-election or losing their bids. The current climate suggests a challenging path forward for Mayor Johnson as he navigates a city grappling with persistent crime, financial pressures, and a skeptical electorate.