Mayor-elect of Chicago Brandon Johnson announced the inaugural chairs for his "Chicago for the People" transition team, tapping 21 prominent Illinois political figures to assist him in his inauguration to the office on May 15.
Among the inaugural chairs are several leaders that were visible backers of Johnson's mayoral campaign, including Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Illinois' most visible politicians were also named as inaugural chairs, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin headlining the list of names. Durbin notably endorsed Johnson's opponent, Paul Vallas, in the mayoral runoff election.
“I’m honored to have exemplary leaders representing every level of government as inaugural chairs, as we prepare to unite Chicagoans together during this transition period. Our work would not be possible without the leadership and support of our inaugural chairs and I look forward to working together in order to achieve our shared vision for a safer, stronger Chicago," Johnson said in a statement announcing the inaugural chairs for his transition team.
While prevalent city leaders make up most of Johnson's inaugural team, several notable suburban Democrats were also named as chairs, including Congressman Sean Casten and Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch.
A full list of leaders named as chairs for Mayor-elect Johnson's inauguration can be found below:
- Governor JB Pritzker
- Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
- Attorney General Kwame Raoul
- Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
- Comptroller Susana Mendoza
- Treasurer Michael Frerichs
- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
- U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
- U.S. Representative Danny Davis
- U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky
- U.S. Representative Mike Quigley
- U.S. Representative Robin Kelly
- U.S. Representative Sean Casten
- U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” Garcia
- U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson
- U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez
- Illinois Senate President Don Harmon
- Illinois House Speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch
- Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
- City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin
- City Clerk Anna Valencia
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.