$39.2K
FEB 23, 2028
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Deposit $20, get $50 on Polymarket
Track how candidate odds have moved across common market windows.
source: Kalshi
Early contours of the 2027 Chicago mayoral race are forming, with Rep. Mike Quigley and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas among the notable figures signaling or declaring interest, alongside Mayor Brandon Johnson considering a run. Pappas is facing misconduct accusations tied to a delayed property tax system upgrade, introducing potential reputational risk as she prepares a mayoral campaign. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, also discussed as a potential contender, is drawing attention for sizable campaign donations from businessman Perry Mandera. Separately, Johnson is appearing at high-profile public events (including Jesse Jackson’s funeral attended by national Democratic leaders), while commentary highlights growing criticism of public-sector unions’ influence in Chicago politics. Pappas’s misconduct allegations and Giannoulias’s donor scrutiny could weigh on their perceived electability and reduce market confidence in their chances, while Quigley’s early declaration may marginally boost his visibility. Overall impact is mixed and early, with more signal about candidate viability than about a clear front-runner emerging yet.
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.
Darren Bailey is eyeing a second round with Pritzker, while Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner and James Mendrick each have their own history with the Democratic governor.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is facing accusations she used foul language against a city contractor, but she's firing back.
Perry Mandera, his family and companies have contributed more than $100,000 to Giannoulias' campaign fund over the last few years as he contemplates a run for Chicago mayor. Mandera owned a strip club for years on the Near North Side that was involved in a long-running legal battle with City Hall — and that employed two men with alleged organized crime connections.
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.
Advocates across the U.S. are hoping a growing unhappiness of wage and wealth inequalities that have increased coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic will help more states adopt policies involve the rich paying more in taxes.
The 2026 Illinois primary election is a unique one, as dozens of candidates are eyeing up higher offices in state and federal governments.
As Chicago, New York and other big cities routinely confront massive budget deficits and declining public services, their leaders refuse to call on public-sector unions to help.
The “State of the Swamp” brought together Democratic lawmakers and celebrities as counterprogramming to Trump's State of the Union speech.
Think you know what went on in the world of Chicago politics, sports and pop culture this week? Take our quiz to test yourself.
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle endorsed Brandon Johnson for mayor.
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times endorsed Kam Buckner in the Illinois House 26th District Democratic primary.
National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL)
National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) endorsed Kam Buckner in the 2026 Illinois primary election.
Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT)
Illinois Federation of Teachers endorsed Kam Buckner in the 2026 primaries.
G-PAC Illinois and Giffords PAC
G-PAC Illinois and Giffords PAC endorsed Kam Buckner in a contested state legislative primary.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
