The state of Illinois has a primary election and a general election in 2026, but the city of Chicago is exactly one year away from its own mayoral election.
The race for mayor and all 50 of Chicago’s City Council seats will undoubtedly be fascinating for residents, and already politicians are jockeying for position in the field.
With the election one year away, there are at least two politicians who have said they will jump into the race, including incumbent 5th district Rep. Mike Quigley, who is running for reelection to Congress but has confirmed that he will seek the top seat in City Hall next year.
Rep. Mike Quigley has a primarily election coming up, but he’s also planning another run for another office: Mayor of Chicago. Mary Ann Ahern has the details.
“I am running for mayor of the city of Chicago,” he confirmed to NBC News in January. “The status quo hasn’t worked for a long time. When the DNC came to Chicago, my colleagues stood with me at the lakefront and were amazed what a beautiful city it was. But it’s all resting on a crumbling financial foundation, and that has to be fixed, or it won’t exist.”
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has also said she will run for mayor.
Joe Holberg, a former teacher who started a business in the city, is also running, as is small business owner Liam Stanton.
In addition to the declared candidates, there are those who are at least mulling a run, including current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who hasn’t officially jumped into the race but has indicated interest in running again.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza are also in the “maybe” camp. Giannoulias is seeking reelection this November, but Mendoza is not, saying she is “leaving the door open” to a potential run.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Wednesday that she would not seek reelection to the post, opening the door for a run for a different office.
Lobbyist John Kelly has indicated a potential interest in running.
Chicago Ald. Bill Conway has been floated as a potential candidate, but has not indicated whether he will seek the office.
Philanthropist Willie Wilson, who has previously run for mayor, is also another possible candidate.
