Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson seeing low approval ratings in new poll

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new poll shows that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has some work to do if wants to win a second term.

Two years into office, the mayor's approval rating across the city is just 26%, according to a new poll.

Mayor Johnson still has time to turn things around before the 2027 election. The latest poll is an improvement from an earlier one that showed him with a single-digit approval rating. Still, political observers say the mayor appears to be in trouble.

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There is a cloud hanging over Chicago City Hall, and it could be called approval ratings.

A new poll on the mayor's popularity by the University of Chicago Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation shows that citywide, only 26% of residents approve of the way Johnson his handling the job of mayor while 58% disapprove, and 16% had no opinion.

"I think he misjudged the voter when he thought that he could coast on the promises that he made, he could coast on his agenda," ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington said. "He has to deliver, and people are expecting that. And so far, the poll shows people are disappointed."

The poll show's Johnson popularity is underwater with every age and income group even though he's made affordable housing a key focus. He is also struggling with voters of every race.

Mayor Johnson's approval ratings among Black voters showed 38% approve while 42% disapprove.

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"The folks that ignore numbers do so at their peril," said Tom Bowen, Democratic Strategist with New Chicago Consulting. "There's a big difference between coming out of nowhere when very few people know you, versus making a comeback when everybody knows you and universally dislikes you."

Bowen says what's really telling is Johnson's record with CPS.

"He was a teacher, and they had an expectation that he would at least get education right," Bowen said. "And two CEOs and almost two full school boards later, the problems are worse."

In response, the mayor's office released a statement only addressing the issue of crime, saying, "Mayor Johnson is focused on continuing the progress that has produced historic reductions in homicides, shootings, and robberies throughout the city... Chicagoans care about making our city safer, and the Mayor's record on public safety speaks for itself."

With other promises, the mayor has struggled.

"If his image is diminishing, it's going to be more difficult for him to raise money from his supporters," Washington said. "And his supporters are going to start looking at other potential challengers instead of him."

There are already a number of possible candidates considering a run for mayor. While polls are only a snapshot in time, this one is seen as one that should be a wake up call for Mayor Johnson.