Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's Approval Ratings: A Political Challenge Despite Crime Reduction

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is navigating a significant political challenge as his approval ratings remain critically low. This persistent public dissatisfaction comes despite his administration’s notable progress in crime reduction. A recent poll conducted by the University of Chicago’s Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, released in August 2025, reveals that only 26% of Chicago residents approve of his performance, with a substantial 58% expressing disapproval. While this marks a slight improvement from earlier surveys, it clearly indicates the uphill battle Johnson faces. With the 2027 election on the horizon, the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s reelection prospects prompts critical questions about whether his policies are genuinely addressing the concerns of Chicago voters.

Why Has Chicago's Crime Rate Drop Not Boosted Mayor Johnson's Approval?

One of the most striking paradoxes of Mayor Johnson’s term is the disconnect between Chicago’s declining crime rates and his stagnant public approval. The city's murder rate has reached a decade low—a significant achievement in public safety that has unfortunately not translated into greater public confidence in the mayor. According to Bloomberg, voters are not rewarding Johnson for these improvements in public safety. This suggests that other pressing issues for Chicago residents, such as economic affordability and education, are currently overshadowing the progress made in crime reduction and affecting Mayor Johnson’s approval ratings.

Chicago Mayor Johnson's Approval: Discontent Across All Demographics

The widespread dissatisfaction with Mayor Johnson’s leadership is not confined to any single demographic group within Chicago. Data from both the Mansueto Institute and NORC confirm that disapproval cuts across various segments of the population, including:

• Black voters, a crucial part of Johnson’s political base, show only 38% approval—a figure significantly lower than what would typically be expected for a mayor who relies heavily on their support.
• White voters exhibit even lower approval, standing at just 20%.
• Disapproval remains consistently high across all age groups, impacting both younger and older residents alike.
• Even among low-income residents (earning less than $30,000 annually), a majority express dissatisfaction with his overall performance as Chicago Mayor.

Unmet Expectations: Affordable Housing, Education, and Key Issues for Mayor Johnson

Political analysts attribute Mayor Johnson’s consistently low approval ratings largely to unfulfilled promises, particularly concerning the future of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the critical issue of affordable housing. While his administration has heavily emphasized crime reduction, many Chicago voters remain unconvinced that he is effectively delivering on broader city priorities such as affordable housing initiatives, expanding economic opportunity, and implementing meaningful education reform. The Chicago Sun-Times highlights that public safety and affordability are the two most critical areas where Mayor Johnson must demonstrate tangible, measurable results; yet, a significant number of residents feel little substantial progress has been achieved.

Historical Precedent: What's Next for Mayor Johnson and Chicago's Political Landscape?

Mayor Johnson’s current struggles with public approval mirror those faced by his predecessors in Chicago, notably Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot, both of whom encountered similar approval challenges and ultimately failed to secure reelection. This historical pattern underscores the urgent need for Johnson to redefine his public image and deliver measurable achievements before the upcoming 2027 election to avoid a similar fate.

The latest poll serves as a clear “wake-up call” for Mayor Johnson’s administration, potentially impacting his future fundraising efforts and overall political support. To reverse his current fortunes and build a stronger foundation for the next election, Johnson must:

• Address core voter concerns with clear, tangible, and actionable policies beyond crime reduction.
• Communicate successes more effectively, ensuring that Chicago residents recognize and appreciate the progress made in public safety and other critical areas.
• Rebuild public trust by consistently demonstrating accountability and responsiveness to the city’s most pressing and diverse needs.

Without a significant and strategic shift in his approach, Mayor Johnson risks joining the ranks of past Chicago mayors who lost public confidence—and subsequently, their bids for a second term.