Petition circulation for the February 23, 2027 Chicago mayoral election officially began this week. The field continues to grow.
CBS Chicago has the story regarding circulating petitions [VIDEO]
Newest Candidate: John Kelly
On July 29, longtime Chicago lobbyist John Kelly announced his candidacy for mayor. Kelly, who has represented clients including the White Sox, United Center, and others, has deregistered as a lobbyist to run.
His campaign centers on five core priorities:
- Safer streets
- Reliable CTA / transit
- Stable property taxes
- Better schools
- Economic growth
Watch his announcement video here (posted by the candidate): John Kelly Campaign Announcement
Today, I announced my campaign for Mayor of Chicago.
— John Kelly (@jkellyformayor) July 29, 2026
I love this city too much to accept where we are today.
Chicagoans deserve safer streets, a reliable CTA, stable property taxes and schools that prepare our kids for success.
If you have a few minutes, I hope you'll watch. pic.twitter.com/MWA0SiYaLY
Campaign website: johnkellyforchi.com
Current Announced / Declared Candidates
- Joe Holberg – Entrepreneur
- Maria Pappas – Cook County Treasurer (intent announced)
- Mike Quigley – U.S. Representative
- Liam Stanton – Small business owner / Chicago Style Project
- Susana Mendoza – Illinois Comptroller
- George Cardenas – Cook County Board of Review commissioner / former 12th Ward alderman
- Matt Brewer – Former CHA operating chair (South Side native)
- Dr. Lisa Nee – Cardiologist and healthcare executive
- Danielle Carter-Walters – Republican / Chicago Flips Red activist
- John Kelly – Lobbyist / businessman (announced July 29)
Still Watching
- Mayor Brandon Johnson has not formally announced a re-election bid, though petition efforts tied to him have begun.
- Alexi Giannoulias (Illinois Secretary of State) remains the most closely watched potential entrant with significant fundraising.
- Other names still floated: Bill Conway, Willie Wilson, and occasional mentions of Rahm Emanuel (low probability).
Why This Matters for the 9th Ward & South Side
As more candidates enter, we need clear answers on issues that hit our communities hardest:
- Ensuring the Red Line extension (under construction) delivers reliable, quality service for 9th Ward residents when it opens
- Public safety and violence prevention
- Housing affordability and protecting long-time homeowners
- Equitable school resources
- City finances and property tax pressure
The race is still early. More candidates could still enter before the late-October petition deadline. We’ll keep tracking developments that affect the 9th Ward, the South Side, and the city as a whole.
What do you think of the growing field? Which issues should candidates prioritize for our neighborhoods? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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