The Chicago mayoral election is still more than 10 months away, but one potential candidate has a massive lead in fundraising for a campaign.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is currently busy trying to win another term in his current office, but if he decides he wants to try to pursue the top job at City Hall, he’ll have plenty of money to draw from.
According to the latest fundraising figures released this week, Giannoulias has raised a staggering $18.3 million for his war chest.
By contrast, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson raised approximately $813,000, according to filings.
Rep. Mike Quigley, who has declared his intent to run for Chicago mayor after this year’s Congressional elections, raised just over $300,000.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is not seeking reelection to office, and while she hasn’t officially declared her candidacy for Chicago mayor, she has indicated at least some interest in running. Her fundraising could help sway that decision, as she’s raised $1.6 million according to filings.
Chicago Ald. Bill Conway has raised just over $700,000, while Chicago City Treasurer Maria Pappas has raised $278,000 for possible campaigns.
There is still some time for candidates to line things up, as petitions will begin circulating for the February 2027 election later this summer.
