Chicago Mayor's Appointments Face Scrutiny Amid Harassment Claims

Aldermen raise concerns over new Deputy Mayor and CDOT Commissioner picks following allegations of hostile work environment by former official.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:13pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows casting an ominous mood, conveying a sense of political tension and unease.The mayor's new appointments face heightened scrutiny from city council members amid allegations of a toxic work culture in City Hall.Chicago Today

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced several high-profile appointments this week, including a new Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and a new CDOT Commissioner. However, some city council members are hesitant to approve the picks after allegations surfaced of a 'hostile work environment' and harassment within the mayor's office, raised by a former city official.

Why it matters

The allegations of a toxic workplace culture in the mayor's administration could complicate the confirmation process for his key appointments, as aldermen pledge to scrutinize the picks more closely. This comes at a critical time for the new mayor as he seeks to build his team and advance his policy agenda.

The details

In scathing emails, former City Human Relations Commissioner Nancy Andrade accused the mayor's senior leadership, including the Chief of Staff and Chief Equity Officer, of 'egregious, shameful, disturbing, hostile, bullying, utterly unethical and unprofessional' behavior toward her. Andrade alleged the disputes centered around a report on antisemitism that the mayor's office wanted to dilute. She also claimed the mayor's staff prevented her from communicating with Jewish American organizations and blocked testimony from hate crime survivors.

  • On March 12, Andrade sent emails detailing the allegations to the mayor's Chief of Staff and Chief Equity Officer.
  • On April 5, Mayor Johnson announced the appointments of Emmanuel Andre as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and William Cheaks as CDOT Commissioner.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago who announced the new appointments.

Nancy Andrade

The former City Human Relations Commissioner who accused the mayor's senior staff of harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

Emmanuel Andre

The newly appointed Deputy Mayor for Public Safety in Chicago.

William Cheaks

The newly appointed Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Scott Waguespack

The 32nd ward Alderman who says the treatment of former official Nancy Andrade was 'appalling' and that the city council will scrutinize the mayor's new appointments more closely.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The pattern we're seeing here is disturbing, saying anyone who challenges us and calls out harassment and any forms of governing, that's unethical. They're immediately shown the door and forced out.”

— Scott Waguespack, 32nd Ward Alderman

“It's pretty appalling what they did. We know there's pushback from anyone who tries to challenge this administration. Who knows what other reports have been 'cleaned up' in a way this administration wants instead of addressing heartfelt issues people are experiencing.”

— Nancy Andrade, Former City Human Relations Commissioner

What’s next

The city council will have to take another look at Mayor Johnson's new appointees, like his pick for CDOT Commissioner William Cheaks, before confirming them in light of the recent allegations of harassment and a hostile work environment within the mayor's office.

The takeaway

The controversy surrounding the mayor's office and allegations of mistreatment of a former city official could undermine confidence in the new administration's leadership and complicate the confirmation process for key appointments as the mayor seeks to build his team and advance his agenda.