Chicago mayoral candidates begin filing petitions

Candidates for Chicago’s mayoral election began filing nominating petitions on Monday to qualify for the February ballot. As many as 15 individuals have indicated they are running for the office, which requires the submission of 12,500 valid signatures.

Several contenders appeared in person at the Chicago Board of Elections facility, including Willie Wilson, who submitted approximately 35,000 signatures, and Alexi Giannoulias, who reported more than 60,000 signatures. Current Mayor Brandon Johnson did not appear at the filing center, as his campaign continues to collect support.

A recent poll from the Mansueto Institute at the University of Chicago indicates a competitive field, showing Giannoulias leading with 24.9% of the vote, followed by Johnson at 13.6% and Susana Mendoza at 9.5%. The poll also noted that 33.9% of respondents remain undecided.