Chicago – Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Wednesday that Rachel Cohen will serve as the city’s new communications director, replacing Erin Connelly. Cohen, a Harvard Law School graduate who gained a national following for her outspoken videos on immigration enforcement, will lead the mayor’s messaging strategy as the administration prepares for a challenging budget season.
From courtroom to City Hall
Cohen first entered the public eye in 2025 when she quit a position at the prominent Chicago law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. She left in protest after the firm agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services to the Trump administration. Her departure sparked a wave of social‑media activity, where she posted instructional videos encouraging residents to join protests against the immigration detention facility in Broadview during the Operation Midway Blitz.
One of her March videos, in which she criticized federal tax policy, amassed 2.2 million views. Across TikTok, Instagram, Substack, Bluesky, Facebook and LinkedIn, Cohen now commands more than 715 000 followers.
Why the mayor chose her
“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.”
Cohen told Block Club Chicago that she believes she can “do more good” in a full‑time municipal role than as an independent content creator. She emphasized her desire to help residents understand the city’s budget proposals, including a corporate head tax and a digital advertising tax that the mayor’s office is considering.
Continuity and change in the press office
Connelly, who has led the mayor’s press office for the past two years, is stepping down to focus on health and family matters. She praised the administration’s work and expressed confidence in the transition. Johnson highlighted Connelly’s dedication, noting, “She brought sound judgment to this office, and I am grateful for her service to Chicago.”
Cohen plans to maintain the weekly press availability sessions that Connelly instituted, ensuring that traditional journalists continue to have access to the mayor. “I am a huge proponent of making sure that the mayor is available to the traditional press corps,” she said.
Budget season and communication strategy
Chicago faces an $882 million deficit in the upcoming budget cycle. While specific details remain under discussion, the mayor has indicated a commitment to “progressive revenue options.” Cohen expects to produce explainer‑style content to help residents understand proposals such as the corporate head tax and a digital advertising tax.
“The vast majority of Chicagoans want to see progressive taxation,” Cohen said. “Those things are complicated, and it’s going to take time and thought to break them down for people.” She added that she will continue using her personal social‑media accounts, though with fewer expletives and a clear separation from electoral politics.
Looking ahead
With Cohen’s digital expertise and the mayor’s focus on transparent communication, the administration hopes to engage more Chicagoans directly as the city navigates its fiscal challenges. The move signals a broader trend of municipal governments embracing social‑media platforms to reach constituents where they spend their time.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
