Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says social media influencer Rachel Cohen to become new communications director

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has hired social media influencer Rachel Cohen to lead his communications team as he prepares to announce his reelection bid this weekend, marking a shift toward a more digitally focused strategy in a crowded 2027 mayoral race.

Cohen, who has more than 700,000 followers across her platforms, first talked with ABC7 Chicago in July about volunteering to help Johnson boost his public image. On Friday, she posted on Instagram that she had been hired as Johnson’s new communications director.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“I think correctly that he is one of the most progressive mayors in the country, and that I don’t think he’s been given his due for the many successes that Chicago has seen under his leadership,” she said in her video.

Democratic strategist and content creator Mike Nellis, who knows Cohen, said the move reflects a broader shift in political communication.

“Mayor Johnson’s got an uphill road here, and it’s really smart to bring on somebody like Rachel who thinks about communication differently, who can communicate with different groups of people, and I think it signals a change in the way that Democratic campaigns are operating now, right? Like people are going a lot closer to the people,” he said.

Cohen is a former corporate attorney who was often seen demonstrating against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during “Operation Midway Blitz.” She will now be responsible for promoting Johnson’s accomplishments as he gears up for a reelection campaign.

“Rachel is a fighter who stands on her values, and I am excited to welcome her to our team,” Johnson said in a statement. “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, while bringing the work of this administration directly to people on every platform. She shares our commitment to building a safer, more affordable, and more equitable Chicago, and I look forward to having her perspective on our team.”

ABC7 political analyst Laura Washington said the strategy aligns with how voters consume information.

“I think that social media as a political strategy is here to stay. It’s the future, and I think most smart campaigns are going to adopt that strategy to some level or another,” she said.

Johnson’s team hopes the approach will help reach younger voters, who could play a significant role in the upcoming election. Nellis said voter frustration is shaping how people choose candidates.

“Everybody in the country right now feels really disconnected from our elected leaders at the national level, the local level, everywhere else. People are frustrated in the country. They’re going to get behind a candidate, I think less on ideology these days, and more on: Do I think that guy’s going to fight for me?” he said.

But Cohen’s transition from influencer to government communications director may come with challenges.

“She doesn’t have any experience, direct experience, with government. She hasn’t worked inside of City Hall. She hasn’t worked inside of government agencies, and she’s going to be telling the story of those agencies. So it’ll be interesting to see how quickly she can adapt to that,” Washington said.

With the election five months away, Johnson’s decision could prompt his challengers to strengthen their own digital outreach to meet voters where they are.

Cohen succeeds Erin Connelly, who was communications director for over two years.

Cohen said in a statement, “I am honored to join Mayor Johnson’s administration, which has been working tirelessly to deliver progressive policy, and work with the team to ensure Chicagoans know how to take advantage of the many resources and programs Mayor Johnson has spearheaded. Chicagoans are engaged, curious, opinionated people, and I’m particularly excited to build on Erin Connelly’s excellent work in advance of budget season. Chicagoans deserve to know what their government is doing, how it affects their lives, and how they can be part of shaping the future of their city. Mayor Johnson understands the importance of digital strategy, and I am excited to bring my experience in law, communications, and digital organizing to an administration focused on building a safer, more affordable and more equitable Chicago.”

Johnson has had some turnover in his office throughout the last year.

Chicago Budget Director Annette Guzman resigned last month.

Former Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski left several months ago. Her acting replacement also stepped down, and the deputy chief financial officer left in June.

The administration has also lost its human resources commissioner, police superintendent and health commissioner this year.

Johnson previously downplayed concerns about the changes in personnel, saying such departures are common in government.

“Transitions happen all the time in administrations. But what’s most constant is my presence,” the mayor said.

Johnson said his administration remains focused on its goals despite the turnover.

“As long as the mission, the vision that I have put forward, is carried out and executed by the team that’s around me, the city of Chicago will remain stable,” Johnson said.

Johnson is expected to present his budget proposal in mid-to-late October, around the same time petitions are due for the mayoral race.