Johnson back in race for the 26th
by Sam Cholke

Kenny Johnson Jr. is back on the campaign trail, again vying for a seat in the Illinois General Assembly. The South Loop business owner’s name may ring some bells for voters in the 26th District, Johnson was narrowly defeated for the seat in 2007 by Will Burns.
Burns left the state legislature after winning a seat as the 4th Ward alderman. His appointed successor, Kimberly Du Buclet, is not running, and again the race is wide open. The district winds along the lakefront, including portions of Streeterville, the Loop, Oakland and Grand Boulevard; it also includes portions of Kenwood west of Woodlawn Avenue, Hyde Park west of South Ellis Avenue and segments of South Shore and South Chicago.
Johnson began his political career as a volunteer for Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2), who is again backing his campaign. Johnson went to work for Jackson in Washington, D.C., after finishing a degree in sociology at the University of Virginia and the experience he said fostered his commitment to public service — a commitment that lured Johnson to Chicago.
“Chicago is a place to learn how politics was supposed to work for people and communities,” Johnson said in an interview Jan. 27.
In Chicago, Johnson waded in the political waters, volunteering for campaigns, but it wasn’t until 2007 that he dove in with a bid for the 2nd Ward alderman seat. Johnson finished the six-way race with 15 percent of the vote, losing to current Ald. Bob Fioretti, a former challenger that is now endorsing Johnson’s campaign. He dove back into politics later in 2007 in five-way race to unseat state Rep. Elga Jefferies from the 26th District post. Johnson narrowly lost to Burns in the February Democratic primary.
It was during these races that Johnson developed the platform he is running on during this election.
Johnson says he has the experience to jumpstart economic development in the 26th District and the state.
“I haven’t worked in state government, so I can’t say I have all the solutions,” Johnson said. “I’ve been a business guy, so I know how to create jobs and get people to work together.”
Johnson stepped off the political stump for the last four years, instead focusing on running his fitness centers and marketing firm, which works with corporations doing business in African American communities. He has since sold the two gyms, but continues to work at the marketing firm, though it has since merged with Merge Consumer Marketing.
Johnson is also stressing the need to address the state deficit.
“We have to look at where we can make cuts without cutting social servies,” Johnson said.
He said luring economic development would build the tax base and improve state tax revenue. He advocated shifting to a more progressive income tax and supports opening a casino in Chicago and measures to expand gambling in the state.
Johnson’s opponent, Christian Mitchell, is backed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who continues to have broad political influence in the district and was instrumental in Will Burns’ election and Kim Du Buclet’s appointment.
“If Kim would have run, I would not have run,” Johnson said. “I don’t think [Mitchell] is the guy for this job.”
AFSCME Council 31 endorsed Johnson last week, joining Congressman Jackson and others in support of his bid.
The Democratic Primary Election is March 20.
s.cholke@hpherald.com