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Former Chicago Human Relations Commissioner Alleges Turmoil in Mayor's Office
Scathing email from Nancy Andrade cites bullying, lies, and hostile work environment claims against top officials
Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:56pm
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The scathing email from a former city commissioner sheds light on the behind-the-scenes tensions and dysfunction within Chicago's City Hall.Chicago TodayA scathing email from former Chicago Human Relations Commissioner Nancy Andrade has revealed alleged turmoil within Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration. In the email, Andrade accused the mayor's Chief Equity Officer Carla Kupe and Chief of Staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas of bullying, lying about her, and creating a hostile work environment that led to her resignation last month.
Why it matters
The allegations from a former high-ranking city official raise concerns about dysfunction and discord within the new mayor's office, potentially impacting the administration's ability to effectively address important issues like the rise in Jewish hate crimes in Chicago.
The details
Much of the frustration stems from a report the Human Relations Commission had been preparing on the rise in Jewish hate crimes in Chicago, which Andrade says was revised by the mayor's office with the help of an out-of-town consultant to become a more general "All Lives Matter" report, rather than the original "Jewish Lives Matter" focus. Andrade also claims she was prohibited from livestreaming a public hearing on the issue despite requests.
- Andrade resigned from her position as Human Relations Commissioner last month.
- Andrade sent the scathing email to the mayor's office on March 12, 2026.
The players
Nancy Andrade
The former Human Relations Commissioner for the City of Chicago who resigned last month.
Carla Kupe
The Chief Equity Officer in Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration.
Cristina Pacione-Zayas
The Chief of Staff in Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration.
Mayor Brandon Johnson
The current mayor of Chicago.
What they’re saying
“The Human Relations Commission "was prohibited from livestreaming the public hearing despite requests from the public and my own request to do so.”
— Nancy Andrade, Former Human Relations Commissioner
“Andrade's accusations "are patently false. Any allegations of quid pro quo, spreading of rumors, and a hostile work environment have no basis and directly contradict communication between the two parties preceding Andrade's March 12 email.”
— Mayor's Office
What’s next
The mayor's office has denied Andrade's allegations, but the fallout from this controversy could continue to impact the administration's relationship with the Human Relations Commission and the city's Jewish community.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the potential for internal turmoil and dysfunction within a new mayor's administration, which could undermine the ability to effectively address important community issues like rising hate crimes.
