Chicago’s 2027 mayoral race is officially taking shape, with 16 candidates filing petitions to compete for the city’s highest office. The crowded field includes incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, several prominent elected officials, business leaders and political newcomers offering competing visions for Chicago’s future.
The filing period closed Monday, October 26, setting the stage for the February 23, 2027, election. Among those seeking the mayor’s office are Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and businessman Willie Wilson.
The candidates enter the race as Chicago confronts significant financial challenges, persistent concerns about public safety, housing affordability, public transportation and the delivery of city services.
While 16 candidates submitted petitions, not all are guaranteed a place on the ballot. Each must meet the requirement of at least 12,500 valid signatures from registered Chicago voters, and challenges could reduce the field before the ballot is finalized in December.
Meet the Candidates
Brandon Johnson — Incumbent Mayor
Johnson is seeking a second term after defeating Paul Vallas in the 2023 mayoral runoff. A former Chicago Teachers Union organizer and Cook County commissioner, Johnson has emphasized investments in public education, neighborhood development and working families. His reelection campaign will center on his administration’s record as Chicago faces continued scrutiny over city finances, public safety and government services.
Alexi Giannoulias — Illinois Secretary of State
Giannoulias has served as Illinois secretary of state since 2023 and previously served as state treasurer. His campaign highlights his experience modernizing government operations and improving public services. He enters the race with statewide political experience and an established fundraising network.
Mike Quigley — U.S. Congressman
Quigley has represented Illinois’ 5th Congressional District since 2009 and previously served on the Cook County Board. His campaign emphasizes addressing Chicago’s financial challenges, improving public schools, expanding mental health services and increasing housing availability.
Susana Mendoza — Illinois Comptroller
Mendoza has served as Illinois comptroller since 2016 and previously held office as Chicago city clerk and an Illinois state representative. She has emphasized fiscal accountability, public safety and improvements to the Chicago Transit Authority. Mendoza is making another bid for mayor after running in the 2019 election.
Maria Pappas — Cook County Treasurer
Pappas has served as Cook County treasurer since 1998 and previously served as a Cook County commissioner. Her public career has focused on property tax administration, financial transparency and government efficiency. She has pointed to her experience managing public finances as a central qualification for mayor.
Willie Wilson — Businessman and Philanthropist
Wilson is a Chicago entrepreneur and philanthropist making his fourth run for mayor. Known for his business ventures and charitable initiatives, Wilson has emphasized economic development, job creation, affordable housing and addressing Chicago’s pension obligations.
George Cardenas — Cook County Board of Review Commissioner
Cardenas previously represented Chicago’s 12th Ward on the City Council and now serves on the Cook County Board of Review. His experience includes neighborhood development, municipal government and property tax issues. His campaign has emphasized affordability and the financial pressures facing working families.
Matt Brewer — Former Chicago Housing Authority Chairman
Brewer previously served as chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority board and has worked in both the public and private sectors. His campaign emphasizes economic development, housing opportunities and attracting business investment while expanding resources for communities that have historically received less investment.
John Kelly — Businessman and Lobbyist
Kelly is a businessman and longtime government relations professional who has worked on major development projects, including Chicago’s Bally’s casino agreement. His campaign emphasizes improving city services, economic development and cooperation between government and the private sector.
Dr. Lisa Nee — Cardiologist
Nee is a Chicago physician and former federal health care whistleblower making her first run for mayor. She has emphasized government transparency, affordability and accountability in public service, drawing on her experience advocating for improvements in veterans’ health care.
William “Bill” Quinlan — Attorney
Quinlan is an attorney with experience in the public and private sectors and serves as board chairman of Lawrence Hall, a social services organization. His campaign focuses on long-term financial planning, economic development and improving Chicago’s education system.
Joe Holberg — Businessman
Holberg is an entrepreneur whose campaign emphasizes small-business growth, job creation, housing development and responsible city budgeting. He has proposed policies intended to strengthen Chicago’s economy and improve educational opportunities.
Danielle Carter-Walters — Conservative Activist
Carter-Walters is a co-founder of Chicago Flips Red, a conservative political organization. Her campaign has proposed changes to city spending, public safety and government oversight, including an initiative aimed at identifying waste and inefficiencies in municipal operations.
Zoe Ma — Real Estate Developer
Ma has experience in real estate development, property management and nonprofit organizations. She is also chair of the Cook County Green Party. Her campaign includes proposals involving guaranteed basic income, property tax relief and expanded educational and career resources.
Jessica “Jesse” Maronto — City Transportation Employee
Maronto works for the Chicago Department of Transportation as a traffic signal repair worker. Her campaign has emphasized practical city services and expanding access to affordable food through a proposed initiative addressing food deserts. Maronto has indicated she may pursue a write-in campaign rather than appear on the printed ballot.
John Kitover — Businessman and Podcast Host
Kitover is a U.S. Army veteran, businessman and podcast host who describes his political approach as Republican-Libertarian. His proposals include reducing taxes, limiting government borrowing and addressing Chicago’s pension debt. His status on the printed ballot remains uncertain, and he may pursue a write-in campaign.
What Happens Next?
The next stage of the mayoral election will focus on challenges to candidates’ nominating petitions. Opponents have until November 2 to file objections questioning whether candidates submitted enough valid signatures. The Chicago Board of Elections is scheduled to certify the final ballot on December 17. Early voting and the distribution of mail-in ballots are expected to begin January 14, 2027, ahead of the February 23 election.
Chicago’s mayoral election is nonpartisan. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two candidates receiving the most votes will advance to a runoff election on April 6. With several current and former elected officials competing alongside business leaders and first-time candidates, Chicago voters will have a wide range of backgrounds and policy proposals to consider.
For Johnson, the election will provide voters an opportunity to assess his first term. For his challengers, the coming months will offer a chance to present their plans for addressing the city’s financial pressures, public safety concerns and economic future.
The final field of candidates will become clearer after the petition challenge process concludes.
