Chicago mayoral candidates cite crime crisis despite record low summer murders

Chicago mayoral candidates are characterizing the city as being in a “crisis” of gun violence and lawlessness, despite data showing historically low levels of violent crime. City and police records indicate that Chicago recorded 122 murders during the summer months of June, July, and August, marking the lowest summer total since 1965.

While overall violent crime reached its lowest level in over four decades last year and continues a downward trend, several candidates for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s successor are emphasizing public safety concerns. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has described the situation as a “public safety crisis,” specifically citing incidents on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). However, police figures show that FBI-classified “index” crimes at CTA locations have decreased by 29% this year through late August.

Other candidates, including Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, have also used the issue of public safety to bolster their campaigns, with Quigley claiming homicides were rising despite data to the contrary.