Chicago is welcoming a new Democratic mayor, leftist Brandon Johnson, marking the beginning of a new administration that will contend with a city beset by crime.

Johnson, a former union organizer and teacher, was sworn in on Monday after running a successful campaign with a stated commitment to build a “stronger, safer and more equitable” Chicago.

Progressive Brandon Johnson (D) has been inaugurated as mayor of Chicago after his upset win against moderate Paul Vallas last month. pic.twitter.com/OdVeSE8ktk

— The Recount (@therecount) May 15, 2023

He defeated moderate rival and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in April to succeed the incumbent Lori Lightfoot after she was beaten in the February primary election.

Johnson managed to overcome criticism for his past support of the “defund the police” movement while touting a “holistic” approach to public safety.

That point of view will be tested as Chicago, the nation’s third-most populous city, continues to make national headlines for its violent crime. Seven people were killed and 20 others were wounded just this past weekend, according to reports.

Johnson said he did not “condone the destructive activity” witnessed at that time, but stressed that it “is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.”

The mayor said he is already coordinating with Fred Waller, Chicago’s new interim police superintendent, to map out ways to quell violence in the city, according to WBBM radio.

“It’s something that I’ve been focusing on throughout my entire political career,” Johnson said. “I’m raising a family in Chicago. I think about the violence that happens in the city of Chicago on a daily basis.”

Johnson faces the major task of preparing the city to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention, which is set to be held August 19-22 and attract visitors from around the country.