Illinois mayoral races kick off with petition filings in Naperville and Chicago

In Naperville, Illinois, first‑term Mayor Scott Wehrli announced he will seek re‑election in the 2027 race, while longtime councilman Benny White entered the mayoral contest, recreating their 2023 showdown. Three council members are running for re‑election, one councilman will retire, and the filing period for nominating petitions runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 26.

In Chicago, the 2027 mayoral election also opened on Oct. 19, allowing candidates to collect signatures. While incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias have not yet confirmed their bids, former mayoral candidate Susana Mendoza launched her petition drive, and volunteers for other hopefuls, including former U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, have begun gathering support. The filing deadline is Oct. 26, with candidates required to collect 12,500 signatures.