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The race for Chicago’s mayoral seat might still be over a year away, but the political landscape is already buzzing with activity. Candidates and hopefuls are gearing up, preparing to enhance their campaign funds in anticipation of what promises to be a competitive contest.
If Mayor Brandon Johnson aims to secure a second term, he’ll need to significantly improve his fundraising efforts, as recent reports suggest. With less than seven months before candidates can officially begin collecting signatures to appear on the 2027 ballot, strategizing to gather financial support is crucial.
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Though Johnson has expressed his intention to seek re-election, his fundraising activities this year haven’t been particularly robust. According to the latest data, the current mayor has managed to raise just $15,000 since the end of September.
“Chicago’s mayoral races are notoriously expensive, with credible campaigns often requiring upwards of $10 million,” explained ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington. “Any candidate who wants to be taken seriously will need to raise substantial funds, and likely more than that.”
At present, records indicate that Johnson’s campaign has amassed over $935,000 in its coffers.
But entrepreneur and political newcomer Joe Holberg, who announced in the fall he is running, reports raising more than $500,000 already.
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Congressman Mike Quigley, who also formed a mayoral committee last fall, has so far raised $177,000. But he has $1.2 million that could potentially be transferred from his congressional campaign account, should he decide to run.
“At this point his career, he’s got a lot of longevity in Congress, but he’s in a certain age where if he doesn’t do it this time, it probably would be too late. This is his big shot,” Washington said.
Two other politicians considered potential mayoral candidates also have significant war.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who announced she would not seek reelection, currently has $1.6 million in campaign funds. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is well funded should he decide to run for mayor, reporting more than $5.9 million on hand.
And while the business community is reportedly seriously looking for a candidate it can back to run against Johnson, it will take more than money to unseat him, because of his strong support from the Chicago Teachers Union and other labor groups.
“Brandon Johnson has a natural base in organizations that know how to get out the vote, that have a ground game, and it’s going to be important to be able to show that you can get vote voters out, that you can get people to the polls,” Washington said.
The CTU donated nearly $2.5 million to Johnson’s first campaign, and most of his top donors were unions. They would likely be in his camp for the 2027 election season, which will be starting before we know it.
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