President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard isn’t the only political storm engulfing Mayor Brandon Johnson — the mayor also faces a financial crisis that is likely to define the success of his first term and his re-election chances.

He’s one week away from unveiling a 2026 city budget that somehow manages to erase Chicago’s $1.15 billion shortfall after two straight years of deficit spending.

With municipal elections just over a year away, Johnson needs to find common ground with an emboldened City Council that forced the first-term mayor to totally rewrite his spending plan a year ago.

“I’m going to keep to my word…I’m going to present a budget that challenges the ultra-rich to pay their fair share in taxes. I’m going to challenge our corporations, particularly those

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