Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed activist and social media influencer Rachel Cohen as his administration’s communication director. Johnson announced this decision on Friday, indicating his intent to amplify his progressive message through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Cohen brings a substantial online following, boasting over 700,000 followers across her social media channels.
In his announcement, Johnson emphasized the evolving nature of information dissemination. “The way people get their news and information is changing, and we have to meet Chicagoans where they are,” he stated. He praised Cohen for her ability to make complex issues accessible and directly engage the public through various platforms.
Cohen gained recognition for her short videos that delve into leftist political views and analysis. Her rise to internet fame ignited after she left a prominent Chicago law firm, Skadden, which had agreed to provide $100 million in pro-bono legal work for President Donald Trump’s administration. During a protest at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview on September 12, 2025, she was known for vocally opposing Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz immigration policy and supporting progressive politicians, such as New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
More recently, Cohen worked with Johnson’s political team, creating short videos to support the mayor. She confirmed in an interview with the Tribune that this collaboration was unpaid. In a statement, Cohen expressed her enthusiasm about joining Johnson’s team and praised the administration’s efforts to implement progressive policies. She highlighted the importance of informing Chicagoans about utilizing the city’s resources and programs.
Cohen takes over from Erin Connelly, who enhanced regular press briefings and expanded the mayor’s social media presence during her tenure. At 32, Cohen holds a degree from Harvard Law School and was named one of Chicago Magazine’s 2025 “Chicagoans of the Year.” While she has served as a digital communications consultant for progressives and nonprofits, she has not previously led a communications office in a permanent capacity.
As a political commentator, Cohen has published numerous videos and articles on Substack over the last two years, often analyzing legal aspects of Trump’s policies. She has occasionally criticized political figures opposing Johnson, such as Michael Sacks, a financier connected to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In an early-August video, Cohen urged Chicagoans to pay attention to Sacks’ political involvement.
On Friday morning, Cohen shared news of her new role on her social media accounts. She mentioned foregoing other opportunities to accept the City Hall position. Cohen plans to reduce her personal social media presence and cease city electoral politics discussions. She also spoke of the need to showcase Johnson’s efforts to tax the wealthy, tackle crime’s root causes, and improve affordable housing. “I don’t think he’s been given his due,” Cohen articulated, believing Johnson’s initiatives have not resonated as they should with Chicago residents.
Leave a Reply