Maria Pappas
Maria Pappas
Chicago Mayor winner?
$65.2K
FEB 24, 2027
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleTreasurer
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age77 years old (Jun 7, 1949)
GenderFemale
Show moreShow less
LocationIllinois
BackgroundCook County Treasurer
EducationJ.D., IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law (1982)
Notable personal detailsMaria Pappas is an American attorney and politician who has served as Cook County Treasurer since 1998. She previously served as a Cook County Commissioner (1990–1998) and has worked in private law practice and as a therapist/counselor. She holds a J.D. from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Maria Pappas emphasizes property-tax transparency, administrative efficiency in the treasurer’s office, and has a record of pushing for tax cuts and budget reductions while highlighting unfair property tax shifts onto homeowners. Her public statements and office analyses focus on protecting homeowners from rising property-tax burdens and improving tax administration rather than proposing major new tax increases.
Healthcare
As a Cook County official Pappas has emphasized cost-effectiveness and prevention in county health services, advocated using existing hospital capacity (leasing beds) rather than building an expensive new county hospital, and focused on serving the indigent. Available public materials document county-level management views and past statements about hospitals and prevention but do not set out a clear position on major federal reforms (e.g., Medicare for All or a public option).
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
The candidate has made public comments recognizing immigrant communities’ contributions and runs culturally inclusive programs, but has not articulated detailed policy positions on immigration enforcement, asylum, or border controls. Available sources emphasize outreach and celebration of diverse immigrant groups rather than concrete immigration or border policy proposals.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports abortion access and has advocated for reinstating and funding abortion services at Cook County facilities; positions emphasize protecting access to reproductive healthcare. Public statements and past actions identify her as pro-choice.
News
Maria Pappas is facing accusations from Tyler Technologies that she used inappropriate language toward staff during a delayed Cook County property tax system upgrade, a dispute tied to major delays in tax bill processing and refunds. She has acknowledged being frustrated with the vendor, which has had multiple project extensions. Pappas is also emerging as a declared candidate for Chicago mayor in 2027.
Maria Pappas, Cook County contractor exchange barbs
Chicago mayoral election 1 year away, and here’s who’s running
Here are candidates looking for higher office in Illinois primary
Mississippi's school miracle shames failing Chicago leaders on education
Endorsements
Endorsers of Maria Pappas for Chicago Mayor winner?
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising