- Source: 2027 Chicago mayoral election
An election for mayor of Chicago is scheduled to be held on February 23, 2027. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, a runoff election will be held on April 6, 2027. Incumbent mayor Brandon Johnson is eligible to run for a second term in office, as there are no term limits for the office. Johnson was first elected in in 2023.
Candidates
= Potential
=The following individuals have received media speculation as being prospective candidates:
Brandon Johnson, incumbent mayor since 2023 and former member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from the 1st district (2018–23)
Kam Buckner, member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 26th district since 2019, candidate for mayor in 2023
Bill Conway, Chicago City Council alderperson since 2023, candidate for Cook County state's attorney in 2020
Rahm Emanuel, former mayor (2011–2019), U.S. ambassador to Japan since 2022, former White House chief of staff (2009–10), former U.S. congressman from IL–5 (2003–09), former senior advisor to the U.S. president (1993–98)
Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois secretary of state since 2023, former treasurer of Illinois (2007–11), Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010
Janice K. Jackson, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools (2017–2021)
Susana Mendoza, Illinois comptroller since 2016, former Chicago city clerk (2011–16), former member of the Illinois House of Representatives (2001–11), candidate for mayor in 2019
Maria Pappas, Cook County treasurer since 1998, former member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners (from Chicago 1990–94, from 10th district 1994–1998)
Brendan Reilly, Chicago City Council alderperson from the 42nd ward since 2007, former president pro tempore of the Chicago City Council (2019–2023), former vice Mayor of Chicago (2015–19)
Mike Quigley, U.S. congressperson from Illinois's 6th congressional district since 2009, former member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from the 10th district (1998–2009)
Silvana Tabares, Chicago City Council alderperson from the 23rd ward since 2018, former member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 21st district (2013–18)
Anna M. Valencia, Chicago city clerk since 2017, candidate for Illinois secretary of state in 2022
Gilbert Villegas, Chicago City Council alderperson from the 36th ward since 2015