Brandon Johnson officially launches reelection campaign for Chicago mayor
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The Chicago mayor formally launched his campaign Sunday, saying his administration has made progress but still has work to do.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially launched his campaign for a second term, entering an increasingly crowded 2027 mayoral race while seeking to convince voters that his administration’s record warrants another four years.
Johnson formally kicked off his reelection bid Sunday at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on Chicago’s South Side. In remarks announcing his campaign, the mayor pointed to investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, mental health services and youth employment, as well as declining crime rates.
“I made a promise four years ago that I would work every day to build the safest, most affordable big city in America by investing in people, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Johnson said, according to reporting from the Chicago Tribune.
Johnson also emphasized that he believes his administration still has work to accomplish.
“The vision that we have put together to build the safest, most affordable big city in America is one that not only are we realizing, we are just getting started,” he said in a campaign video, according to Axios Chicago.
The mayor enters the contest with a number of prominent challengers. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and businessman Willie Wilson are among those seeking the office.
Johnson also faces questions about his political standing. A July poll cited by CBS Chicago found his approval rating at 23%, while just 13.6% of respondents said they were excited about another Johnson campaign. His campaign will also have to contend with a significant fundraising gap. Johnson reported roughly $631,000 in campaign funds, compared with approximately $22 million reported by Giannoulias, according to Axios.
Public safety, city finances and the relationship between City Hall and the City Council are expected to remain central issues in the campaign. The Johnson administration recently projected an $882 million budget gap for 2027, adding another challenge as the mayor seeks reelection.
Chicago’s mayoral election is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2027, setting the stage for a closely watched campaign over the coming months.