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| Credit: WBBM-AM |
I didn't plan to do this so soon but here we go. Sharing this to note one potential candidate is instead running for re-election to the Chicago City Council. Let's go over this list together. And as noted just yesterday lobbyist John Kelly is running for mayor.
Officially Announced Candidates
- Joe Holberg – Entrepreneur; one of the earliest entrants
- Maria Pappas – Cook County Treasurer (has announced intent; prioritizing treasurer re-election)
- Mike Quigley – U.S. Representative
- Liam Stanton – Small business owner and founder of the Chicago Style Project
- Susana Mendoza – Illinois Comptroller
- George Cardenas – Cook County Board of Review commissioner and former alderman
- Matt Brewer – Former Chicago Housing Authority operating chair
- Dr. Lisa Nee – Cardiologist and healthcare executive
- Danielle Carter-Walters – Republican activist with Chicago Flips Red
- John Kelly – Longtime lobbyist and businessman (announcement video: Watch here)
Closely Watched / Potential Candidates
- Alexi Giannoulias – Illinois Secretary of State. Has not formally announced but remains the most closely watched potential entrant due to a very large fundraising advantage. Reports indicate he may make an announcement soon, possibly in Bronzeville.
The announcement is to come on Sunday noted on Wednesday via CapFax
Giannoulias planning ’special announcement’ rally in Bronzeville this Sunday https://t.co/qdTPyGylwN
— Capitol Fax (@capitolfax) July 29, 2026
- Mayor Brandon Johnson – Has not formally declared a re-election campaign, though petition efforts connected to him have begun.
Names Previously Floated or Discussing the Race
- Paul Vallas – Former Chicago Public Schools CEO and 2023 mayoral runner-up. He has not announced a candidacy but appeared on WGN’s The Point in mid-July to discuss the 2027 race and the current field.
- Bill Conway (34th Ward Alderman) – Officially announced he is running for re-election as alderman, ending speculation about a mayoral bid.
- Related coverage: Ald. Bill Conway Launches Reelection Bid, Ending Speculation About Mayoral Run – Block Club Chicago
- Rahm Emanuel – Former Chicago mayor. Attention has shifted strongly toward a possible 2028 presidential campaign. A mayoral run now appears highly unlikely.
Related coverage:
Politico: Rahm Emanuel on Why Democrats Keep Losing
AP: Rahm Emanuel’s uphill climb in New Hampshire tests a 2028 presidential bid
Other Names That Have Been Mentioned
These individuals have been mentioned in media coverage, Wikipedia tracking, or political discussion as possible or long-shot candidates, though most have not formally entered:
- Willie Wilson – Businessman and perennial mayoral candidate (ran in 2015, 2019, and 2023)
- Andre Vasquez – 40th Ward Alderman
- Kam Buckner – State Representative
- Ja’Mal Green – Activist and previous mayoral candidate
- Johnny Logalbo – Addiction recovery counselor
- Gilbert Villegas – Former alderman
- Silvana Tabares – 23rd Ward Alderman (more often mentioned in endorsement contexts)
The field remains fluid. Additional candidates could still enter before the late-October petition deadline.
We’ll continue tracking announcements as they develop.
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