Politics

Johnson Makes Bid for Chicago Mayor Official By Filing Thousands of Signatures

Mayor Brandon Johnson made his bid to become the second Black man to be reelected Chicago mayor official Friday afternoon, telling reporters he had gathered 33,000 signatures from Chicago voters to qualify for the Feb. 23 ballot.

To win a second term, Johnson will have to overcome a serious challenge from perhaps a dozen candidates, including Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias — who told reporters Monday that he filed approximately 60,000 signatures, is backed by the endorsement of much of Chicago’s organized labor community and has nearly $20 million in the bank.

Johnson bucked tradition by filing his nominating petitions Friday afternoon, rather than first thing Monday morning — ensuring a shot at the first spot on the ballot — or next week, at the last possible minute, vying for the last slot on the ballot.

Along with Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, businessman Willie Wilson, longtime lobbyist John Kelly and former Chicago Housing Authority chair Matt Brewer also filed to run for mayor on Monday.

Johnson will be listed sixth on the ballot.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]

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