South Central Reporter

State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) has criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, dismissing him as a non-serious figure who doesn’t deserve a response. His comments are part of a broader critique by Illinois Republicans against Mayor Johnson’s rhetoric over the border crisis.

“Mayor Johnson is a clown. He is not a serious person, and he does not deserve a response to his inane babbling,” Halbrook said in a statement.

“He was elected thanks to the massive financial backing of the very public sector union leadership that has made Chicago’s finances a complete disaster.

Halbrook's comments follow in the wake of Mayor Johnson leveling accusations against "right-wing extremism," claiming that it targets Democratic-run cities—especially those led by people of color—with the intention of creating "disruption and chaos."

Amid challenges related to the city's illegal immigrant crisis—a situation which Mayor Johnson attributes to his predecessor, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot—he outlined efforts to address the problem. These efforts included setting up Chicago’s first government-run migrant tent encampment and partnering with churches for shelter purposes.

The mayor characterized the approach towards cities like his own as "a very raggedy form of right-wing extremism," adding that everyone knows this strain of extremism "has targeted democratically-run cities, and quite frankly, they have been quite intentional about going after democratically-ran cities that are led by people of color. Their entire motivation is aimed at causing disruption and chaos," Fox News reported.

Johnson's specific criticism centered around advocates for border closure or sending non-citizens to sanctuary states whom he referred to as "unclean spirits."

In light of having over 24,000 migrants in Chicago and ongoing debates about managing the southern U.S. border influx, Johnson accused Republicans of using people as political tools. He also drew connections between them and right-wing extremism likening these strategies to instances such as the storming of the Capitol and denial regarding Civil War outcomes.

In rebuttal, Illinois Republicans have questioned Johnson’s historical understanding while stressing upon their party's role in ending slavery and government bureaucracy, according to Center Square.

Recent data paints a concerning picture for Johnson. A poll conducted by Echelon Insights for the Illinois Policy Institute reveals a mere 28% approval rating for Johnson. The survey, conducted from Oct. 18 to 22, also indicates that 50% of those polled disapprove of how Johnson is handling his mayoral duties, with 22% remaining unsure.

The mayor's approval ratings in areas such as crime and public safety, housing and homelessness, and managing the migrant issue are notably low—with two-thirds of voters expressing disapproval. These results indicate significant challenges ahead for Mayor Johnson regarding public perception and support.

Halbrook shares membership of the Illinois Freedom Caucus with State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), Jed Davis (R-Newark), Chris Miller (R-Oakland), Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur), and David Freiss (R-Red Bud).