Chicago mayoral candidate Ja'Mal Green has received the endorsement of two high-profile celebrities in his run, according to a campaign press release.
Actress Susan Sarandon and actor/comedian Mike Epps both offered their full support to energize voters and actively fundraise for the Green campaign. This is the first wave of major endorsements that Green is set to receive before filing petitions to officially run for mayor on Nov. 21.
Oscar winner Sarandon said, "In a time where we need more progressive voices that stay true to their values with a track record of being morally consistent, Ja'Mal Green is the freedom fighter Chicago needs. Ja'Mal stood next to me as we campaigned to make Senator Bernie Sanders president. He went on to stand up against wall street and the establishment to get big results for Chicago neighborhoods. I believe in Ja'Mal, he is the hope that Chicago desperately needs. Join me as I proudly endorse Ja'Mal Green for [mayor] of the great city of Chicago."
Epps released a video endorsement at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DbpfXzDtlIQ.
—After much speculation, Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson has also thrown his hat in the ring to run for Chicago mayor.
More than a dozen people are now in the race. They include four LGBTQ+ candidates: Ald. Raymond Lopez, media figure DJ Doran, activist J Saxon and incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Lightfoot has already received the backing of the LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ+ leaders to public office.
Locally, though, Johnson (who resides in the city's Austin neighborhood with his family) has the support of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), according to outlets such as ABC 7 Chicago. In addition, Johnson's campaign has already gotten a $1-million commitment from the American Federation of Teachers and he said some more substantial donations are on their way. Johnson is a former teacher and CTU organizer.
At a rally, Johnson said Mayor Lightfoot reneged on her campaign promises to support an elected school board and to reopen mental-health clinics. However, regarding the fight against crime, Johnson dodged repeated questions about accusations by Lightfoot that he supports defunding police.
