Illinois comptroller Susana Mendoza launched her campaign for Mayor of Chicago Wednesday.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” Mendoza, 54, said in a campaign announcement video posted to YouTube. “About how a city this strong should work better for the people who built it.”
Speculation started earlier this year when Mendoza, who has served as the state comptroller since 2016, announced that she would not seek reelection. In April 2026, NBC Chicago reported Mendoza raised $1.6 million according to filings.
Mendoza will hold an official announcement event at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Little Village, according to a release, with several local officials, business owners and supporters expected to speak.
The next Chicago mayoral election takes place Feb. 23, 2027, and the field is shaping up to be a crowded one.
Rep. Mike Quigley declared his intent to run for Chicago mayor after this year’s Congressional elections, along with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
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.
Chicago Ald. Bill Conway has been floated as a potential candidate, but has not indicated whether he will seek the office.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is currently busy trying to win another term in his current office, could be a potential candidate. According to fundraising figures released in spring, Giannoulias has raised a staggering $18.3 million.
