Paul Vallas outspent Brandon Johnson nearly 2-to-1 in losing mayoral bid

CHICAGO — Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas outspent Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson by a nearly 2-to-1 margin leading up to Vallas losing in April in the race to become Chicago’s next mayor.

Vallas raised $18 million and spent nearly $17 million of it en route to a 52% to 48% loss to Johnson, according to recently filed state campaign finance records. Much of the money Vallas raised came from business leaders and private equity investors, many of whom have also contributed to Republican candidates across the country. Vallas ended the first quarter of 2023 with $1.7 million on hand, the campaign records show.

Johnson, meanwhile, raised $8.6 million and spent $9.3 million, with most of his money coming from progressive labor groups tied to the Chicago Teachers Union or the Service Employees International Union. Having started the year with $1.3 million in the bank, Johnson ended March