Chicago mayoral election candidacy filing and challenges

The process for the 2027 Chicago mayoral election began with candidates filing nominating petitions to qualify for the February ballot. Initial reports indicated as many as 15 individuals were seeking the office, which requires 12,500 valid signatures. Early polling suggested a competitive field, with Alexi Giannoulias leading at 24.9%, followed by incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson at 13.6% and Susana Mendoza at 9.5%.

By late October, 14 candidates had officially filed petitions. The field includes incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, who submitted 33,000 signatures, along with Susana Mendoza, Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, George Cardenas, Maria Pappas, Matt Brewer, Willie Wilson, Lisa Nee, and John Kelly.

Following the November 2 deadline for objections, Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing formal challenges to his nominating petitions. Led by former State Sen. Rickey Hendon on behalf of businessman Willie Wilson, the challenges allege that the mayor failed to meet the required signature threshold. Specific allegations include the submission of over 1,000 photocopied signatures, circulator errors, and the inclusion of petitions belonging to other candidates, such as City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. Hendon described the filing as “unprofessional,” suggesting it could lead to the first disqualification of an incumbent Chicago mayor from the ballot. While Johnson’s political director, Christian Perry, expressed confidence in the campaign, other candidates, including Mendoza and Giannoulias, are also facing various petition objections.

The election is set for February 23, 2027, with a potential runoff on April 6 if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote.