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.

Members of the Chicago City Council’s Budget and Government Operations Committee kicked off weeks of budget hearings by giving Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.6 billion spending plan a stony reception.

To win a second term, Mayor Brandon Johnson will have to overcome a serious challenge from perhaps a dozen candidates, including Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his proposed $17.6 billion 2027 spending plan Wednesday.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s resurrection of the so-called head tax — which was soundly rejected by the Chicago City Council a year ago — would impose a $25 per month per employee tax on all firms that have more than 125 employees, according to the proposal.

Chicago’s progressive labor community will be split between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alexi Giannoulias during the 2027 mayoral election.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is running for reelection, has been under intense pressure to replace ShotSpotter, the city’s controversial gunshot detection system, which he scrapped two years ago, by members of the Chicago City Council.

The first batch 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, waiting in line for hours among aspiring alderpeople, staff members, lawyers and candidates for other offices.

The Chicago City Council failed by one vote Wednesday to override Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto of a measure that would have required at least 30 alderpeople to approve any plan to borrow more money.

“Neighborhoods with the greatest infrastructure needs should not face additional barriers to securing essential public investment,” Mayor Brandon Johnson wrote in his official veto measure. “Delaying infrastructure projects can increase construction costs, worsen deterioration and ultimately cost taxpayers more.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city would refinance bonds backed by the city’s sales tax revenues that are at least 10 years old to generate between $65 million and $71 million. But that refinancing generated just $36 million, officials said.

School board president candidate Hilario Dominguez says he met with Chicago Public Schools’ internal watchdog, which is revisiting nearly decade-old allegations that he acted inappropriately with a high schooler.

Here’s a breakdown of what it means that New York-based Stonepeak Partners is set to become the new owner of the city’s more than 36,000 meters.

Chicago’s finances have long been out of whack, pinched by soaring pension costs, spiraling personnel costs and a massive amount of debt.

Applicants include current and former members of the Chicago Police Department, as well as candidates from outside of CPD, according to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability.

“We have an opportunity to not only apologize to Chicagoans for the city’s past mistakes, but to back that apology with real, tangible benefits for taxpayers for the first time,” Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) said.