Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has faced widespread criticism on social media for a dance video he released to announce his bid for re-election, with many users contrasting the upbeat clip with the city's ongoing struggles with crime.
The 12-second Instagram video shows Johnson, 50, performing dance moves on a Chicago rooftop alongside a group of younger individuals, one of whom wears a shirt that reads "I [heart] DEI." The caption over the video stated, "POV: News just dropped that Mayor Brandon Johnson is running for re-election!"
Commenters on the platform widely criticized the video, with many questioning its appropriateness given the city's crime statistics. "No solidified plan, just dancing," one user wrote. Another commented, "This video is just another reason as to why he’s NOT getting our votes." A third simply asked, "Is this a joke?"
This incident echoes a similar situation in 2023 when former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was criticized for a dance video released during her re-election campaign.
Johnson's tenure as mayor has been marked by a significant increase in crime. According to Chicago Police statistics, overall crime surged by 27% between 2023 and 2025 compared to the preceding four years, with a notable rise in antisemitic hate crimes.
The mayor has also drawn criticism for remarks on other issues. In April, he compared the restaurant industry to "slavery" during a debate over the tipped wage. He has also previously been criticized for warning against "demonizing" violent teen gatherings and for attributing rising gun violence, in part, to former President Richard Nixon.
Jewish leaders and organizations have called for Johnson to establish an antisemitism task force to address the reported 58% increase in hate crimes against the Jewish community over the 2023-2024 period. While the city has formed other task forces, including those addressing violence against women and reparations, a specific antisemitism task force has not yet been established.
Despite criticism and reportedly low approval ratings, with a University of Chicago survey indicating only 13.6% of likely voters wish for him to run again, Johnson is proceeding with his re-election campaign. He is expected to face several challengers in the February 2027 mayoral race, including Chicago Housing Authority CEO Matt Brewer, former alderman George Cardenas, and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.