Who Is Running, or Thinking About Running, to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor

Matt Masterson | June 30, 2026, 5:26 pm

Chicago’s next mayoral election is less than a year away and the list of candidates — and those considering a run — is growing ever larger.

Petitions for a spot on the ballot will start circulating July 28 and are due in late October.

Here is a breakdown of who’s running and who may still enter the race ahead of the Feb. 23, 2027, election.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

The Incumbent

Brandon Johnson (Campaign photo)

Brandon Johnson

Chicago’s current mayor has long spoken about his plans to serve multiple terms in office, but Johnson has not yet formally announced his plans to run for reelection next year.

Still, it would be a surprise if the former Chicago Teachers Union organizer and Cook County commissioner opts not to seek a second term.

The Current Field

Susana Mendoza (Campaign photo)

Susana Mendoza

Current Job: Illinois state comptroller

Mendoza, a former state legislator and Chicago city clerk, threw her hat into the ring to become the city’s next mayor on June 3.

If elected, she said she would curb City Hall spending, rebuild trust between residents and police and ensure a safe, clean and reliable CTA transit system.

Mendoza previously ran for mayor in 2019, finishing in fifth place, and has opted not to seek reelection as comptroller.

Website: susanamendoza.com

Mike Quigley (U.S. House Office of Photography)

Mike Quigley

Current Job: U.S. representative for Illinois’ 5th District

The veteran Democratic legislator, who has long considered running for mayor, officially kicked off his campaign with a speech June 27 at the Uptown Theatre.

Quigley has been in Congress since 2009. He has pledged to tackle Chicago’s budget issues and provide strong schools in every community, expanded mental health services and an abundant supply of housing.

Website: quigleyforchicago.com

George Cardenas (Campaign photo)

George Cardenas

Current Job: Cook County Board of Review commissioner

The longtime 12th Ward alderperson announced his plans to run for mayor June 17, promising to fix the city’s fiscal and public safety issues.

During his nearly 20 years on the Chicago City Council, Cardenas chaired its Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy and served as an ally to former Mayors Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot.

Cardenas has focused his campaign on fiscal discipline, Tax Incremental Financing reform and public safety improvements.

Website: cardenas4chicago.com

Matt Brewer (Campaign photo)

Matt Brewer

Current Job: Partner at the law firm Bartlit Beck

The former Chicago Housing Authority board chair, whom Johnson sought to oust earlier this year, entered the race June 25 seeking to replace the mayor.

“At the CHA, I’ve had a front row seat to see the dysfunction coming out of City Hall,” Brewer said in a campaign launch video. “I’m running for mayor because, for too long, we’ve been presented with a false choice about Chicago’s future.”

Brewer remains a board member on the Housing Authority and co-owns both the Wiener’s Circle and the city’s first independent, Black-owned marijuana dispensary.

Website: mattbrewer.com

Joe Holberg (Campaign photo)

Joe Holberg

Current Job: Founder and CEO, Spring

Holberg became the first candidate to officially enter the 2027 race when he kicked off his campaign last fall.

The founder and CEO of Spring, a wealth advisory firm, Holberg said he will prioritize growing Chicago’s economy, eliminating debt and expanding housing options.

Website: joeforchicago.com

Liam Stanton (Campaign photo)

Liam Stanton

Current Job: Founder and principal, June Capital

A small business owner, Stanton is running on what he has called a “Hit the Gas” platform that prioritizes accelerating Chicago growth, lowering the cost of living and modernizing Chicago police deployments and community partnerships.

Website: stantonforchicago.com

The Potential Candidates

Alexi Giannoulias

Current Job: Illinois secretary of state

Giannoulias has long been rumored to be interested in running for mayor. He previously served as state treasurer for four years before winning his election to become secretary of state starting in 2023. He unsuccessfully ran as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010.

Giannoulias has not yet announced official plans to run next year.

Maria Pappas

Current Job: Cook County treasurer

After nearly 30 years serving as treasurer, Pappas appears ready to seek her next gig as Chicago’s mayor.

While she hasn’t officially launched her campaign, Pappas has said she intends to run in 2027. But she’s first running for another four-year term as treasurer this fall. She previously told ABC 7 Chicago she’ll begin her mayoral campaign after that election.

Lisa Nee

Current Job: Healthcare and public policy advisor

Nee is a Chicago-born cardiologist who told Chicago Sun-Times reporter Fran Spielman on her podcast this month that she intends to run for mayor.

Willie Wilson

Current job: Founder, Omar Supplies, LLC

Wilson has sought political office numerous times over the years. On top of a presidential campaign in 2016 and a U.S. Senate bid in 2020, the Chicago businessman has also run for mayor in 2015, 2019 and most recently in 2023, when he finished in fifth place.