By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Four candidates filed petitions Monday at Chicago’s petition processing center to challenge Mayor Brandon Johnson in the 2026 mayoral race, the first wave of contenders to formally enter the contest.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, lobbyist John Kelly and former Chicago Housing Authority chair Matt Brewer each submitted petitions carrying between roughly 30,000 and 60,000 signatures. Johnson did not file Monday, nor did Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Cook County Board member George Cardenas or Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
Quigley said the cost of running a citywide campaign weighs heavily on candidates without major financial backing.
“It’s added to the pressure if you don’t have a tremendous amount of money,” Quigley said. “It’s tough to play in Chicago politics.”
One person at the petition processing center, identified only as Wilson, said the early filings reflect how unusual this year’s race is shaping up to be.
“We wanted to get there to make sure, because this is a unique race this time,” Wilson said.
Candidates must file petitions ahead of the 2026 mayoral election to appear on the ballot. Objections to candidates’ petitions are due Nov. 2, and the Chicago Board of Elections is expected to certify the ballot by Dec. 17.
Monday’s filings took place at a newly established petition processing center set up by the city for this election cycle, the first time candidates have used the location to submit signatures for a mayoral race.
Giannoulias currently serves as Illinois secretary of state. Quigley represents Illinois’ 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House. Kelly has worked as a lobbyist in Chicago city politics for years. Brewer previously chaired the board of the Chicago Housing Authority.
The filings mark the start of a race widely expected to draw a large field of challengers to Johnson, who was elected in 2023. Mendoza, Cardenas and Pappas hold elected positions in city and county government but have given no public indication of their plans for the mayoral race.
More candidates are expected to file in the coming weeks as the Nov. 2 objection deadline approaches. The Chicago Board of Elections has not released a full list of declared candidates, and Johnson has not said whether he plans to file for reelection.
