Introduction

The Chicago Teachers Union or CTU has transformed the politics of the city of Chicago. The union won an incredible come from behind victory in the mayoral race, electing one of their own former middle school teacher and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson as mayor. This interview was conducted on April 11th, a week after Johnson's victory at the storied Chicago venue, The Hideout. Stacey Davis Gates, president of the CTU, Carlos Ramirez Rosa, a socialist city council member representing Chicago's 35th ward, and Alex Hahn, the executive director of In These Times magazine were also interviewed.