Chicago Mayor Joins Podcasters on West Side Tour

Brandon Johnson discusses Bears stadium, healthcare, and forming a mayors' coalition

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson recently joined the hosts of the JAAM Podcast and political commentator Hasan Piker for a tour of the West Side's Soul City Corridor. During the visit, the group discussed a range of topics including the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, the future of the Chicago Bears, and Johnson's plans to work with other mayors on key issues.

Why it matters

Mayor Johnson's appearance on these popular podcasts aimed at younger audiences reflects a broader strategy to engage with youth voters who often feel disconnected from traditional political leadership. His willingness to discuss a wide range of issues, from sports to healthcare, signals an effort to connect with a diverse range of constituents.

The details

During the West Side tour, Mayor Johnson told Piker and the JAAM Podcast team that he has not given up on keeping the Chicago Bears in the city, stating "there's still no better place in the country, in the state of Illinois, for the Bears to play than the lakefront." The mayor also mentioned that he has been in contact with newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to form a coalition of mayors to "fight back against federal outreach."

  • The visit took place this past weekend.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago.

Hasan Piker

A left-wing political commentator who is popular on the streaming platform Twitch.

JAAM Podcast

A group of friends from Chicago who talk about politics and culture on their podcast.

Zohran Mamdani

The newly elected mayor of New York City.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader whose legacy was discussed during the West Side tour.

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What they’re saying

“This is what I love, man, about our movement. It's like, we want to make sure there's health care for all and Bears games on the lakefront, and everything else in between.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

What’s next

Mayor Johnson said he plans to continue working with Mayor Mamdani and other mayors to form a coalition to address federal issues.

The takeaway

Mayor Johnson's outreach to younger audiences through podcasts and his willingness to discuss a wide range of issues reflects an effort to connect with constituents who may feel disconnected from traditional political leadership. His commitment to keeping the Bears in Chicago and forming a mayors' coalition also signals a proactive approach to addressing key local and national concerns.