Mayor Johnson Appoints Rachel Cohen as Communication Director

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Rachel Cohen, an activist and social media influencer, as the communication director for his administration on Friday. This decision highlights Johnson’s intent to connect with Chicagoans through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, promoting his progressive agenda. Cohen boasts a following of over 700,000 on social media.

Johnson emphasized the shift in news consumption, stating, “The way people get their news and information is changing, and we have to meet Chicagoans where they are.” He praised Cohen’s ability to simplify complex issues and directly engage people on various platforms. Cohen gained recognition for her short videos presenting leftist political views, especially after leaving the Chicago-based law firm Skadden. Her resignation was due to the firm’s $100 million pro-bono work commitment with the Trump administration.

Cohen has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz immigration crackdown and has supported progressive figures like New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Michigan U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. She previously collaborated with Johnson’s team, creating video content to support the mayor without compensation.

“I am honored to join Mayor Johnson’s administration, which has been working tirelessly to deliver progressive policy,” Cohen said. She succeeds Erin Connelly, who enhanced the mayor’s social media presence and reinstated regular press briefings. Cohen, an acclaimed Harvard Law School graduate featured in Chicago Magazine as one of 2025’s “Chicagoans of the Year,” has worked as a digital communications consultant but not held a permanent role in such capacity before.

Cohen has published numerous videos and articles on Substack, often critiquing Trump’s policies with legal insights. She has also targeted political adversaries of Johnson, like Michael Sacks, for allegedly attempting to influence elections while posing as a progressive.

On Friday, Cohen shared the news of her appointment on social media. She expressed, “When I think about effectiveness, I think about where I can be the best at getting people to understand, engage with, believe in the possibility of progressive policy, and also get people plugged into their community.” She plans to demonetize her social media accounts and reduce posting about city politics, aiming to highlight Johnson’s initiatives in taxing the rich, tackling crime, and expanding affordable housing. Cohen believes, “Johnson hasn’t been given his due,” and aims to increase awareness among Chicagoans.