Chicago mayoral race expands with 14 candidates filing for 2027 ballot

Fourteen candidates have filed nominating petitions to compete in the 2027 Chicago mayoral election. The field includes incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, who filed 33,000 signatures, alongside several established political figures such as Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

Other candidates who filed include Matt Brewer, Willie Wilson, Lisa Nee, and John Kelly. To qualify for the ballot, candidates were required to submit at least 12,500 valid signatures from registered Chicago voters.

The election is scheduled for February 23, 2027, with a runoff on April 6 if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote. Political operatives expect the crowded field to shrink following a period of petition challenges, with objections to signature validity due by November 2.