Chicago’s 2027 mayoral contest is already producing sharp exchanges nearly seven months before voters head to the polls.
One day after Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched his campaign, Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the influence of wealthy political donors while signaling that he may seek reelection. Fellow candidate Susana Mendoza also challenged Giannoulias over his fundraising, current campaign for reelection as secretary of state and past involvement with his family’s failed bank.
Giannoulias formally entered the race Sunday, pledging to make city government more effective while prioritizing affordable housing, tax fairness and support for working families.
“I believe fundamentally that government can be both competent and compassionate,” he said during his campaign launch.
On Monday, Giannoulias greeted commuters and collected petition signatures at the CTA Roosevelt station. Several riders praised his willingness to engage directly with voters.
“He gets out with the people,” commuter Deran Carpenter said. “He talks to the people.”
Giannoulias enters the race with a significant financial advantage, having amassed a $22 million campaign fund. His donors include several unions and prominent business leaders. Four unions each contributed $1 million earlier this year, while Michael Sacks and Matthew Pritzker each gave $500,000.
Johnson, who has not formally announced whether he will seek another term, appeared to criticize that financial support during an unrelated event Monday.
“You have corporate interests that are putting more in campaigns than they are in their taxes,” Johnson said.
The mayor said he remains focused on governing and highlighted what he described as progress on public safety, affordability and economic development.
“I am committed to building the safest, most affordable big city in America, and we are doing that,” Johnson said. “My focus remains to continue to make the investments in our neighborhoods.”
Asked whether he considers Giannoulias a moderate, Johnson replied only: “He’s the secretary of state.”
ABC7 political analyst Laura Washington said Johnson appears eager to avoid ideological labels and keep the focus on his record as mayor.
Giannoulias is also facing criticism from Mendoza, who questioned his decision to campaign for mayor while simultaneously seeking reelection as secretary of state.
“I’m all in for Chicago,” Mendoza said. “I think Alexi, by choosing to keep this job while he interviews for the next, has chosen to be all in for Alexi.”
Giannoulias defended the move, comparing a political campaign to applying for another job.
“Just like anything else, when you’re running for a job, you don’t quit the one you’re in while you’re interviewing for that one,” he said.
Mendoza, who is not seeking another term as state comptroller, ran for mayor eight years ago while serving in that office. She argued that her circumstances were different because she had already won her primary and leaving office could have given then-Gov. Bruce Rauner the power to appoint her replacement.
Giannoulias is not the only mayoral candidate seeking another office this fall. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas are also running for reelection in November.
Mendoza also revived questions about Giannoulias’ time as a senior loan officer at his family’s Broadway Bank, which failed during the Great Recession. She alleged the bank lost depositors’ money and issued more than $20 million in loans to people with organized-crime ties.
Giannoulias’ campaign dismissed the criticism as a recycled political attack.
“Voters are tired of career politicians recycling the same old lies from more than 15 years ago to get attention,” the campaign said in a statement. “Alexi has assembled a coalition of support because he’s focused on making the city safer and more affordable — the things voters actually care about.”
At least 10 candidates have entered the race, with others still considering bids. Analysts say Giannoulias and Johnson could emerge as the leading contenders if the mayor decides to seek reelection.
For now, candidates are beginning to define the race around governing experience, political records, fundraising and their competing visions for Chicago.
