From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Chicago mayoral candidates file petitions for 2027 election
Chicago mayoral candidates submit massive stacks of nominating petitions to election board ahead of 2027 race.
In brief
Chicago mayoral candidates submit massive stacks of nominating petitions to election board ahead of 2027 race. Chicago mayoral candidates filed over 30,000 signatures for the 2027 election, with some submitting more than double the required 12,500 signatures to avoid challenges to their petitions. Originally reported…
Mayoral filing begins
Chicago candidates for mayor, city treasurer, and city clerk submit nominating petitions to the Chicago Board of Elections Monday for the 2027 election.
Signature requirements
Candidates must collect 12,500 valid signatures to appear on the ballot for the February 2027 election.
Matthew Brewer files
Former Chicago Housing Authority board chair Matthew Brewer submitted over 32,000 signatures for his mayoral run, collecting many himself on subways, neighborhoods, and farmers' markets.
Alexi Giannoulias leads
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias submitted 60,000 signatures, claiming he collected them across every ward in Chicago, with $19 million in campaign funds by September end.
John Kelly's campaign
Chicago lobbyist John Kelly turned in roughly 36,000 signatures for his mayoral candidacy, stating they were over three times the required amount.
Willie Wilson's challenge
Businessman Willie Wilson plans to challenge everyone with an estimated 35,000 signatures for his fourth self-funded mayoral run.
Ballot placement strategy
Candidates who file early Monday enter a lottery for the first ballot spot, while those filing last may claim the final position to avoid being overlooked.
City council filings
All 50 aldermanic offices also require 473 signatures for candidates to run in the upcoming election.
Mike Quigley's perspective
Congressman Mike Quigley noted that having the most money doesn't guarantee winning, recalling that top fundraisers lost in recent mayoral races.
Chicago Board of Elections timeline
The Chicago Board of Elections will certify all candidates by December 17, 2:00 p.m. for the February 2027 election.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's status
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza will file after their respective deadlines, with Mendoza planning to submit on the last day of filing.
The bottom line
Chicago mayoral candidates filed over 30,000 signatures for the 2027 election, with some submitting more than double the required 12,500 signatures to avoid challenges to their petitions.
