Illinois Legislative News: September 21, 2026
Third Reading Consulting Group
Chicago’s February 2027 municipal election continues to take shape, with incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson formally launching his reelection campaign on September 13 at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. Johnson is positioning himself as the progressive candidate in the mayoral field, framing the election around affordability, progressive taxation, investment in working-class communities, and his administration’s record. Johnson’s re-election effort will also involve rebuilding aspects of the progressive coalition that helped propel him to City Hall in 2023.
Johnson’s reelection bid, which was largely expected, adds another high-profile candidate into an already crowded field running for mayor of Chicago. In addition to Johnson, declared candidates include Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Congressman Mike Quigley, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, former interim CEO and board chair of the Chicago Housing Authority Matthew Brewer, Cook County Board of Review Chairman and Commissioner George Cardenas, attorney William J. Quinlan, businessman Willie Wilson, entrepreneur and former math teacher Joe Holberg, lobbyist John Kelly, cardiologist and medical advocate Dr. Lisa Nee, and entrepreneur Danielle Carter-Walters.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas stated that she is running for mayor but has not formally launched her campaign. Technology entrepreneur Liam Stanton dropped out of the race and endorsed Giannoulias.
Candidates for Mayor and Chicago City Council began circulating nominating petitions as early as July 28 and must file their petitions with the Chicago Board of Elections during the October 19 to 26 filing period.
The 2027 Chicago municipal election will be held on February 23. If no mayoral candidate receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election between the top two vote-getters will be held on April 6. The municipal elections will take place several months after the November 3, 2026, general election, in which voters will elect candidates for Congress, statewide offices, and numerous state legislative seats.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 3 – Illinois General Election
November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1
December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2