Mayor Brandon Johnson Appoints Rachel Cohen as Communication Director

Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a new communication director to his administration, Rachel Cohen, a social media influencer known for her activist videos. This decision aims to strengthen Johnson’s connection with Chicago residents on digital platforms like Instagram and TikTok, highlighting his progressive agenda.

Cohen has amassed over 700,000 followers on various social media outlets, which the mayor emphasized in his announcement. He stated, “The way people get their news and information is changing, and we have to meet Chicagoans where they are. Rachel understands how to take complex issues and make them accessible, bringing the work of this administration directly to people on every platform.”

Her rise to internet prominence followed her resignation from Skadden, a major Chicago law firm, over its pro-bono work with former President Donald Trump’s administration. Known for her vocal objection to Trump’s immigration policies, Cohen has supported prominent progressive figures across the nation, including New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed.

Recently, Cohen collaborated with Johnson’s political team to create promotional videos for the mayor, which she stated were unpaid efforts. In joining the mayor’s administration, Cohen expressed her honor at being part of a team devoted to delivering progressive policy and informing Chicagoans about the resources initiated by Johnson. She succeeds Erin Connelly, noted for reestablishing regular press briefings and enhancing the mayor’s social media presence during her two-year tenure.

Cohen, a recognized figure in Chicago Magazine’s “Chicagoans of the Year,” is a Harvard Law School graduate with experience as a digital communications consultant for progressive causes. Though she has not previously held a permanent communications lead role, she has been a vocal political commentator, presenting numerous videos and articles on platforms like Substack, frequently critiquing Trump’s policies through legal analysis.

Her commentary has at times targeted political figures opposing Johnson, such as Michael Sacks, a billionaire donor linked to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In a video from August, Cohen urged Chicagoans to recognize Sacks’ influence in local elections, insinuating that Sacks’ actions could undermine progressivism.

Sharing the news of her new role on social media, Cohen conveyed her decision to decline other offers in favor of the City Hall position. She emphasized her intention to demystify and engage the community with progressive policies while distancing her personal social media presence from electoral politics. She believes Mayor Johnson hasn’t received due acknowledgment for his initiatives to tax wealthier residents, address the root causes of crime, and enhance affordable housing.

Cohen remarked, “He’s done all of these things, and they just haven’t quite broken through in the way that I think they should have with everyday Chicagoans.”