Laura Washington

Laura Washington is a contributing columnist for the Chicago Tribune and political analyst at ABC-7. Before moving to the Tribune, she served as a longtime contributing columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Washington brings more than two award-winning decades of experience as a non-profit professional and multi-media journalist. She specializes in African American affairs, local and national politics, race and racism, and social justice.

Then-Chicago mayoral candidates Willie Wilson, center, and Brandon Johnson chat at a mayoral forum at Steinmetz College Prep, Jan. 31, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reelection campaign will be in trouble if Willie Wilson runs again

March 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

If Willie Wilson gets in the mayoral race, Black votes will come out of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s hide and leave a hole in his chances.

James Talarico, a state representative running for the Democratic nomination for Senate, speaks during a campaign stop in Round Rock, Texas, on March 3, 2026. (Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times)

Laura Washington: In 2026, voters are deciding with their heads rather than their hearts

March 11, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

James Talarico plodded down the middle to appeal to centrist Democrats and independents. That positioning makes him more electable for the fall.

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller answers a question on health care policy as state Sen. Robert Peters, left, and former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. sit beside her during a forum for candidates running in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District at St. Paul and the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Chicago on Jan. 17, 2026. (Troy Stolt/for the Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Will Black voters care about AIPAC’s role in Chicago congressional races?

February 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Pro-Israeli interests have jumped into heated contests in historically Black districts, sparking controversy and blowback.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during the Take Back Your Health Tour event at the state Capitol building, Feb. 4, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. (George Walker IV/AP)

Laura Washington: SNAP junk food bans punish poor families

February 11, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

America is drowning in fat, but new laws banning SNAP recipients from buying soda and candy are insulting and demeaning.

Illinois 7th Congressional District candidates attend a forum, Nov. 3, 2025, at Malcolm X College. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Black politicians are eager to preserve Rep. Danny Davis’ seat as demographics shifts

February 4, 2026 at 4:52 p.m.

With redistricting shifts, Illinois' 7th Congressional district has evolved from a predominantly Black domain to a sprawling territory.

A visitor views a photograph of President Donald Trump at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery's "American Presidents" exhibit Jan. 11, 2026, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey Jr./AP)

Laura Washington: Politicians should respond to voter dissatisfaction with authenticity

January 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The nature of the American political system propagates poseurs who blather on endlessly, promising everything and delivering little.

Activists protest federal agents Sept. 30, 2025, in Chicago on North Michigan Avenue. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Political goings-on in 2025 reflect anything but comity

December 31, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Donald Trump and Mayor Brandon Johnson ensured this departing year has been like no other.

A CTA Brown Line train leaves the Addison station, Dec. 14, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Chance the Rapper’s CTA campaign is fun but won’t soothe our fears

December 17, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

I am delighted that Chance the Rapper is assisting the CTA, but the transit system needs more to help stop rising violent crime.

Laura Washington: I love to host Thanksgiving but can’t cook

November 26, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

I have been blessed with family and friends who can cook. So, every Thanksgiving, my husband and I open our doors, and the goodies flow in.

Mick Jagger arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 2, 2025, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Laura Washington: Brooches are for bros too

November 12, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

I once thought pinned adornments were the domain of the ladies, but lately, brooches have been breaking out all over, on men.

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