Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is sending mixed signals about his future political plans, sat down for a one-on-one interview to talk about it.
Johnson is expected to face numerous challengers in next February's election. But on Monday, he was fending off questions about running for reelection, while also taking shots at would-be rivals.
Johnson took part in a wide-ranging interview. He was seemingly unconcerned about the 2027 election and who might be running against him.
"I know that there are some folks who are politicking already. That's, you know, I understand it. I do. But when people see me all over the city of Chicago, they're not asking about my reelection," Johnson said.
The mayor continued to deflect about his political future.
When asked if he's planning to run for a second term, Johnson said, "Well, right now, my plan is to continue to drive violence down in the city of Chicago to make sure that we're investing in communities. As I've said repeatedly, there will be plenty of time for politics."
"I've done both at the same time. As a Cook County commissioner, I was governing and I ran for mayor," Johnson said. "So, it's clear that I know how to multitask. I can govern and run for something. I've done it multiple times. Not only have I done it multiple times, I've won every time."
Since the first of the year, one potential mayoral rival, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, has reported raising nearly $12 million.
By comparison, Mayor Johnson has reported raising just $58,000 during that time.
"Well, what we saw on this last election cycle, you saw people spend multiple millions," Johnson said. "And it's evident that money alone does not guarantee someone's success."
When talking about successes, Johnson touted the effort to reduce violent crime in Chicago, which happened under the direction of his first deputy mayor for public safety, Garien Gatewood. He was fired last Thursday.
Mayor Johnson addressed that decision for the first time.
"This is about making sure that my vision gets carried out. I'm carrying out that vision. That's my responsibility, right?" Johnson said.
And while reelection talk may be for another day, Johnson sent a not so subtle signal.
"We have seen many high-profile donors in this city who have been bosses of previous mayors. Right? The difference for me right now is that I'm not bossed by the same people who are trying to boss the electorate. I'm not going to do it, and I'm not going to stand for it," Johnson said.
The mayor also confirmed that in the search for a new CEO for Chicago Public Schools, he has interviewed the two finalists recommended to him. But he says he wants to talk to them again before making a recommendation to the Board of Education.