Politics

Mendoza, Cardenas, Pappas Among Last to File Signatures Ahead of Chicago’s February Mayoral Election

The final group of candidates seeking to deny Mayor Brandon Johnson a second term each filed tens of thousands of signatures Monday to officially get on the Feb. 23 ballot, solidifying the race for Chicago mayor. 

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Cook County Board of Review member George Cardenas, entrepreneur Joe Holberg, real estate developer Zoe Ma and Danielle Carter-Walters, the founder of Chicago Flips Red, were the last candidates to file, earning a spot in the lottery for the final ballot position. 

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza was the first to file her signatures Monday morning, arriving early to beat the rush of candidates hoping to be the final candidate on the ballot. Cardiologist Dr. Lisa Nee and attorney William Quinlan also filed Friday. 

Mendoza, who will be seventh on the ballot, told reporters she had turned in 26,000 signatures, fewer than all her well-known rivals. 

Nee, who will be eighth on the ballot, told reporters she turned in 31,000 signatures while Quinlan, who will be ninth, said his campaign turned in 26,000. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson officially filed for reelection on Friday, becoming the sixth candidate on the ballot, telling reporters he turned in 33,000 signatures. 

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, businessman Willie Wilson, longtime lobbyist John Kelly and former Chicago Housing Authority chair Matt Brewer filed their nominating petitions a week ago, and are vying to be first on the ballot. 

Cook County Board of Review member George Cardenas turns in his petitions to run for mayor of Chicago on Oct. 26, 2026. (Heather Cherone / WTTW News)

Mayoral candidates must submit at least 12,500 signatures from registered Chicago voters. Those who filed less than three times the required amount could find themselves in the crosshairs — and facing weeks of wrangling over hundreds — if not thousands — of signatures.   

All objections must be filed by Nov. 2, and the ballot is scheduled to be certified by Dec. 17, records show. 

Mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent to voters on Jan. 14, the same day early voting is set to start. 

Voters will finally have their say on Feb. 23 — unless no candidate gets 50% of the vote plus one. In that case, the top two candidates head to the runoff on April 6. 

The new term for the mayor, city clerk, treasurer, all 50 members of the Chicago City Council and the members of the Police District Councils starts May 17. 

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