Illinois Legislative News: August 10, 2026
Third Reading Consulting Group
Chicago’s February 2027 municipal election cycle is underway. July 28 marked the first day candidates were permitted to begin collecting signatures for nominating petitions under a new timeline established by state law. Petition filing will take place from October 19 through October 26. The accelerated petition circulation schedule provides election officials with additional time to review filings and resolve any challenges before the ballot is finalized.
With petition circulation now underway, activity surrounding the elections has continued to increase, as prospective mayoral candidates enter the race and expand their outreach efforts across the city. Campaign activity is also expected to intensify across Chicago’s 50 wards, where every seat on the City Council will be on the ballot. Additional candidates are expected to announce aldermanic and mayoral campaigns in the coming weeks as the election cycle progresses.
The 2027 mayoral race is widely expected to be competitive; ten candidates have officially announced their campaigns. Declared candidates include Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, former interim CEO and board chair of the Chicago Housing Authority Matthew Brewer, Cook County Board of Review Chairman and Commissioner George Cardenas, Congressman Mike Quigley, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and businessman Willie Wilson. Technology entrepreneur Liam Stanton, entrepreneur and former math teacher Joe Holberg, lobbyist John Kelly, and cardiologist and medical advocate Dr. Lisa Nee have also entered the race.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has vocalized her intent to run for mayor but has not formally launched her campaign. One notable figure who has also not declared a mayoral candidacy is incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, although he is widely expected to seek reelection.
Additionally, Giannoulias’ candidacy has generated interest beyond the mayoral race because a successful bid would create a vacancy in the Secretary of State’s Office. Secretary of State is a coveted statewide office that is expected to attract interest from numerous prospective candidates and could create a domino effect of openings at the state level.
The Chicago municipal election will be held on February 23, 2027. In the likely outcome that no candidate mayor receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election between the top two vote-getters will be held on April 6, 2027. The municipal elections follow closely on the heels of the November 3, 2026, general election, when voters will elect candidates for Congress, statewide offices, and numerous state legislative offices.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3 – Illinois General Election
November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2