Johnson waits as mayoral field grows
[August 10, 2026]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The field for Chicago’s mayoral election in 2027
includes more than 10 candidates, but the incumbent has yet to toss his
hat in the ring.
Philanthropist and businessman Willie Wilson announced plans to launch
his fourth campaign for Chicago mayor with an event set for Monday
afternoon on the West Side.
“It ain’t about Republican or Democratic. It ain’t about Black and
White, it ain’t about nothing. It’s about human beings, trying to make
sure we do what we were put on this Earth to do, and that is to serve
others,” Wilson said in a video posted on social media.
Wilson finished third in 2015, fourth in 2019 and fifth in 2023,
garnering between 9 and 11% of the vote each time.
The fourth-time candidate joins a field that includes former Chicago
Housing Authority CEO Matt Brewer, former alderman George Cardenas,
Chicago Flips Red vice president Danielle Carter-Walters, Illinois
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, businessman Joe Holberg, lobbyist
John Kelly, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, cardiologist Dr. Lisa
Nee, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and businessman Liam Stanton.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said she would run but has yet to
make an official announcement.
Reporters have asked current Mayor Brandon Johnson about his plans
several times. Johnson spoke at City Hall last Tuesday and promised he
would make a decision.
“I just believe that the people of Chicago deserve like a season where
their mayor is not involved in a whole bunch of political conversation,”
Johnson said.
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Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke at a separate event in Chicago on the same
day and was asked if he would make an endorsement.
“I’m going to work with whoever it is that becomes the next mayor.
As you know, I've had three mayors so far as governor. I've worked
with all three of them in various ways,” Pritzker said.
Rahm Emanuel was mayor when Pritzker took office in 2019, a few
months before Lori Lightfoot was elected to replace Emanuel.
Johnson’s office has projected a $130 million deficit for the $16.7
billion budget for 2026 passed by city council last December.
Mendoza told The Center Square there’s a difference between who has
the most money and who knows how to manage money.
“I think that it's important that we not lose that messaging as we
ask Chicago voters to entrust us with the purse strings of a city
that is in dire need of a sound, proven fiscal expert,” Mendoza
said.
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