Chicago’s February 2027 municipal election cycle is underway. July 28 marked the first day candidates were permitted to begin collecting signatures for nominating petitions under a new timeline established by state law. Petition filing will take place from October 19 through October 26. The accelerated petition circulation schedule provides election officials with additional time to review filings and resolve any challenges before the ballot is finalized.
With petition circulation now underway, activity surrounding the elections has continued to increase, as prospective mayoral candidates enter the race and expand their outreach efforts across the city. Campaign activity is also expected to intensify across Chicago’s 50 wards, where every seat on the City Council will be on the ballot. Additional candidates are expected to announce aldermanic and mayoral campaigns in the coming weeks as the election cycle progresses.
The 2027 mayoral race is widely expected to be competitive; ten candidates have officially announced their campaigns. Declared candidates include Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, former interim CEO and board chair of the Chicago Housing Authority Matthew Brewer, Cook County Board of Review Chairman and Commissioner George Cardenas, Congressman Mike Quigley, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and businessman Willie Wilson. Technology entrepreneur Liam Stanton, entrepreneur and former math teacher Joe Holberg, lobbyist John Kelly, and cardiologist and medical advocate Dr. Lisa Nee have also entered the race.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has vocalized her intent to run for mayor but has not formally launched her campaign. One notable figure who has also not declared a mayoral candidacy is incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, although he is widely expected to seek reelection.
Additionally, Giannoulias’ candidacy has generated interest beyond the mayoral race because a successful bid would create a vacancy in the Secretary of State’s Office. Secretary of State is a coveted statewide office that is expected to attract interest from numerous prospective candidates and could create a domino effect of openings at the state level.
The Chicago municipal election will be held on February 23, 2027. In the likely outcome that no candidate mayor receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election between the top two vote-getters will be held on April 6, 2027. The municipal elections follow closely on the heels of the November 3, 2026, general election, when voters will elect candidates for Congress, statewide offices, and numerous state legislative offices.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3– Illinois General Election
November 17-19– Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3– Veto Session Week 2
In the News
Pritzker signs bill requiring employers pay regular wages during jury duty–The Daily Line, August 7, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker signed 87 laws earlier this month, including measures creating a statewide penalty for unauthorized recording in courts and requiring employers to pay regular wages during jury duty.
Longtime lobbyist makes case for mayoral candidacy–The Daily Line,August 7, 2026
A longtime Chicago-based lobbyist is seeking to move in front of the spotlight and up to the fifth floor next year as he plans to compete in the increasingly crowded mayor’s race.
Editorial: Pritzker and Trump go after Big Oil. For their own political purposes–Chicago Tribune,August 7, 2026
On Wednesday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote to the U.S. CEOs of seven major oil companies accusing them of “profiteering” from the war in Iran and imploring them to return their bounty to Illinois consumers.
Illinois House committee opens investigation into indicted Rep. Carol Ammons, adding woes for Democrats’–Chicago Tribune,August 6, 2026
Aspecial Illinois House committeeopened its investigation Thursday into Democratic state Rep. Carol Ammons of Urbana, who wasindicted last monthon federal criminal charges alleging she orchestrated a scheme to enrich herself using taxpayer and campaign funds.
Welch launches private working group to respond to sexual harassment, but it’s off to a rocky start–Capitol News, August 6, 2026
In the wake of criticism over his office’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint against a member and his own behavior on social media, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is turning to one of his favorite tools to formulate policy solutions: a Democrat-only private working group.
Pritzker pens letter to Trump, seeks tariff refunds for Illinois families–Capitol News,August 6, 2026
After the U.S. Treasury paid out$100 billion in tariff refundsto corporations at the end of last month, Gov. JB Pritzker wants to know where Illinois’ cut is.
House special committee to begin investigation on Ammons following federal indictment–The Daily Line, August 6, 2026
Members of an Illinois House of Representatives special committee will meet Thursday to begin their investigation on Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) following her federal indictment for wire fraud and obstruction charges in July.
Daily Herald opinion: Illinois’ back-to-school tax break may be prompted by politics, but it will help families as well–The Daily Herald,August 6, 2026
It’s important to note then that Illinois begins a 10-day sales tax holiday Friday that applies to many common back-to-school essentials. Through Aug. 16, the state’s portion of sales tax is reduced by 5% from 6.25% to 1.25%.
Illinois law expands student access to unused school meals–ABC 20,August 5, 2026
A new Illinois law aims to reduce food waste while helping more students access nutritious meals during the school day. The law expands school districts’ participation in federal nutrition programs, allowing unopened food items to be redistributed for students to take at no cost instead of being thrown away.
Pritzker asks oil CEOs to return Iran war windfall profits to Illinois consumers: ‘You owe it to the people’–Chicago Sun-Times,August 5, 2026
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday penned letters to the U.S. CEOs of seven major oil companies, accusing them of “profiteering” from the war in Iran and imploring them to return windfall profits to Illinois consumers, among other demands.
Illinois House Speaker Welch expresses regret over handling of former Rep. Benton’s harassment case–ABC 7, August 5, 2026
Speaker Chris Welch launches what may be seen as his mea culpa tour after previously defending his handling of the Harry Benton scandal
New law proposed by Illinois state rep. intern reforms sexual assault reporting–FOX 32, August 5, 2026
A new law amends Illinois sexual assault reporting procedures, expanding the rights of victims to request the gender of an interviewing officer and allowing them a support person during interviews. Stephanie Bolanos, 20, developed the bill as an intern for State Rep. Daniel Didech and explains what went into her proposal.
Supporters urge Illinois to OK federal tax credits critics worry will hurt public schools–KHQA,August 5, 2026
Illinois State Senator Jil Tracy (R) is urging Governor JB Pritzker to opt in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, which stemmed from the Big Beautiful Bill that was passed last year.
Pritzker signs regulations for homeowners, auto insurance into law–The Daily Line, August 5, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a duo of bills this week establishing a process for the state to review alleged excessive or discriminatory homeowners and auto insurance increases.
Mayor Brandon Johnson praises Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch’s ‘maturation’ amid Harry Benton scandal–Chicago Tribune, August 4, 2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson praised on Tuesday the “maturation” of Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, whosehandling of sexual harassment issuesinvolving former state Rep. Harry Benton has made himpolitically vulnerablein leading the supermajority House Democratic Caucus in Springfield.
‘More to learn’ on Benton harassment case before judging Speaker Chris Welch, Gov. JB Pritzker says–Chicago Sun-Times, August 4, 2026
Springfield’s latest sexual harassment scandal has revealed “holes in the system,” according to Gov. JB Pritzker — but not necessarily any missteps by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch in responding to allegations of misconduct by a now-disgraced ex-state representative.
Indicted Ammons won’t seek delay of House investigation–The Center Square,August 4, 2026
On the heels of a controversy stemming from an investigation into a former state representative over sexual harassment, a special investigating committee is scheduled to meet this week to inquire about alleged financial misconduct of another state lawmaker.
Giannoulias joins Pritzker to sign law he said isn’t political–The Center Square,August 4, 2026
Two days after Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced a bid for Chicago mayor, he joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker at the signing of two insurance-related bills Tuesday morning, after he said his support wasn’t political.
Meet Christian Mitchell, Gov. Pritzker’s South Side Running Mate Whose Political Star Is Rising–Block Club Chicago, August 4, 2026
Now Gov. JB Pritzker’s running mate, Mitchell has served three terms as a state representative, worked as a senior aide to the governor and is also currentlya member of the Air National Guard. He’s as comfortable on the floor of the general assembly as he is at home in his favorite gaming chair.
Pritzker signs social media safety act looking to protect minors from addictive algorithms through age verification–The Daily Line, August 4, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Friday that implements age verification on social media platforms to limit the impact of addictive algorithms on minors.
Illinois offers $400 payments to residents who lost SNAP benefits–USA Today, August 4, 2026
Illinois will provide a one-time $400 payment for each eligible household member who lostSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)benefits because of expanded federal work requirements, state officials said in a community announcement.
Illinois joins 24 other states in suit challenging Trump’s latest tariffs–Crain’s Chicago Business, August 3, 2026
A group of 25 US states filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs that went into effect last month, adding to similar complaints by groups of small businesses who claim the levies are illegal.
Judge denies Trump administration access to Illinois voter data–Capitol News,August 3, 2026
A federal judge ruled late Friday that Illinois is not required to hand over its complete, unredacted voter registration data, including sensitive personal information, to the Trump administration.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin’s quarter-century fight for the DREAM Act remains illusory, but its effects are real–Chicago Tribune, August 2, 2026
At a place of honor up front sat U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, an 81-year-old Democratic lawmaker on the verge of retirement, whom many in the room credited for allowing them to attend college, find jobs and start families because of — and this doesn’t happen often — a bill he has for decades tried, but failed, to pass.
Federal judge tosses Trump administration lawsuit seeking full access to Illinois voter rolls–Chicago Sun-Times, August 1, 2026
Trump’s efforts to obtain sensitive voter data have now failed in 19 states.
Johnson says budget director’s departure won’t impact his fiscal agenda–The Daily Line, August 6, 2026
City Budget Director Annette Guzman became the latest leader on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget and finance team to depart in a matter of days this week ahead of the city’s expected release of its preliminary budget forecast this month and, with it, the start of budget season in earnest.
Mayor Brandon Johnson: Banks won’t bite on debt sale plan–Chicago Tribune,August 6, 2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration again warned aldermen Thursday that their plan tosell $1 billion in city-owned debtisn’t finding any takers, leavinga hole in their 2026 budget package.
Johnson says budget director’s departure won’t impact his fiscal agenda–The Daily Line, August 6, 2026
City Budget Director Annette Guzman became the latest leader on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget and finance team to depart in a matter of days this week ahead of the city’s expected release of its preliminary budget forecast this month and, with it, the start of budget season in earnest.
U.S. attorney’s office offers mea culpa in ‘Broadview Six’ case–Chicago Tribune, August 5, 2026
Prosecutors for embattled Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said in a court filing late Tuesday that while mistakes were made in the now-defunct “Broadview Six” case against immigration protesters, corrective measures have since been taken and there is no evidence of vindictive prosecution that would warrant further hearings or sanctions.
Assessor fields questions on new commercial valuation methodology at hearing–The Daily Line, August 5, 2026
Outgoing Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi used his July mid-year budget hearing to answer questions for county commissioners about how a new uniform approach to valuation methodology for commercial properties hopes to ease property tax volatility.
Chicago grocers are severely affected by reductions to SNAP: ‘We need to bail out this industry’–Chicago Tribune, August 5, 2026
Hundreds of longtime customers of Fresh Market Place have been kicked off SNAP after President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy law, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” added newer, stricter work requirements for the program’s recipients in February.
Pilsen Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez Doubles Down On Feud With Gov. JB Pritzker–Block Club Chicago, August 5, 2026
Pilsen Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) doubled down on his criticism of Gov. JB Pritzker for not increasing funding for Chicago Public Schools, adding that his office’s response to recent comments is “out of touch, insulting and racist.”
Johnson: ‘I’m the stability’ Chicago needs after budget director departs–Chicago Sun-Times, August 4, 2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday denied the revolving door at City Hall is a scary sign of instability for Chicago, claiming “I’m the stability” and the “visionary” — and that he will find other people to “carry out my vision.”
Opinion: Reduction at CSX’s South Side Barr Yard is a signal switch that can’t be ignored–Crain’s Chicago Business, August 4, 2026
Barr Yard has become another example of a troubling trend that has reshaped much of the railroad industry over the past decade. Railroads have increasingly pursued operating strategies centered on reducing costs by eliminating jobs, consolidating operations and moving more freight with fewer resources. While every business should strive to operate efficiently, efficiency cannot become the only measure of success.
Giannoulias enters mayor’s race with message of collaboration, millions of dollars–The Daily Line, August 3, 2026
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias officially threw his hat into the ring for Chicago mayor Sunday with a rally at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134 hall in Bronzeville, entering the race with a multimillion-dollar war chest and a message of collaboration to tackle the city’s myriad issues.
Johnson loses budget director days after CFO exit–Crain’s Chicago Business, August 3, 2026
Chicago’s Budget Director Annette Guzman is leaving City Hall, the second senior member of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s financial team to leave in the last week.
After Senate primary loss, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi shifts focus to new PAC — and his political future–Chicago Sun-Times, August 3, 2026
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is shifting his fundraising powers to a PAC to benefit other Democrats ahead of his own exit from Congress — a move that also gives him flexibility should he decide to run for office again.
Alexi Giannoulias kicks off mayoral run with pledge to raise the minimum wage–Crain’s Chicago Business, August 2, 2026
Surrounded by union workers, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his campaign for mayor today in Bronzeville, pledging to raise the minimum wage, expand universal preschool and lean on relationships in Springfield to build a more effective government.
Joining mayor’s race, Giannoulias casts himself as a coalition builder, says Johnson ‘has not met the moment’–Chicago Sun-Times, August 2, 2026
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias enters the race as a presumed frontrunner, with a political target on his back after raising $22 million from business leaders and building trade unions.
Two more Chicago immigration judges fired as court becomes epicenter of removal orders–Chicago Tribune, July 31, 2026
She is one of two judges fired Thursday from Chicago’s Immigration Court, which has seen seismic changes since President Donald Trump returned to office. The local court has recently become the national leader in deportation orders.