# Chicago mayoral candidates file petitions for 2027 election

> Chicago mayoral candidates submit massive stacks of nominating petitions to election board ahead of 2027 race.
- Title: Chicago mayoral candidates file petitions for 2027 election
- Summary: Chicago mayoral candidates submit massive stacks of nominating petitions to election board ahead of 2027 race. Chicago mayoral candidates filed over 30,000…
- Keywords: chicago, mayor, 2027 election, nominating petitions, city treasurer, city clerk, chicago board of elections, signature collection, news, local, mayoral, candidates
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/10/19/mayor-race-candidates-stacks-nominating-petitions-chicago-board-of-elections
- Published: 2026-10-19T20:58:13.664+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: chicago, mayor, 2027 election, nominating petitions, city treasurer, city clerk, chicago board of elections, signature collection, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.