The mayor now has 30 days to either select one of the three or reject the entire slate and request a new search. The commission's decision follows a nationwide search assisted by the firm Ralph Andersen & Associates, which was paid $200,000. The process drew 46 applicants, a slight decline from the 53 who applied in 2023. Candidates included current and former CPD members as well as law enforcement officials from across the country.

Commissioner Sandra Wortham praised the finalists in a statement, saying they offer "unique backgrounds with varied, impactful experiences throughout the Chicago Police Department." She noted their leadership spans patrol operations, violent offender apprehension, criminal investigations, community policing, large-scale operations, and reform efforts.

Ursitti, a 26-year veteran, would make history as the first woman to lead the department. Former Supt. Larry Snelling promoted her to second-in-command just days before announcing his retirement this summer. She previously served three years as chief of detectives, where she oversaw a rise in clearance rates. Ursitti holds a doctorate in addition to a master's degree and is a licensed counselor in Illinois. The department has described her as "a purpose-driven leader who prioritizes the well-being of her fellow CPD members and the people of Chicago." She also drew attention for her command of facts during recent City Council budget hearings.

Novalez, also a 26-year veteran, was widely expected to make the finalist list, as he did in the previous search cycle. His current role focuses on strengthening police-community relationships and expanding partnerships. He previously led the department's constitutional policing and reform efforts, implementing policies to meet the requirements of a federal consent decree prompted by the police killing of Laquan McDonald. During his tenure, the department bolstered its compliance with the decree. In November 2024, Novalez told reporters that progress was vital to changing the department's culture, emphasizing the need to build infrastructure and identify the right people and processes to capture compliance information.

Papaioannou, a less familiar figure to the public, was promoted to chief of counterterrorism this spring after two years as deputy chief. A 27-year veteran, he coordinated public safety operations for major events and was described as a behind-the-scenes force in ensuring a successful Democratic National Convention in 2024. He is a first-generation Greek American and lifelong Chicago resident, according to a presentation when he received the 2021 Law Enforcement Official of the Year Award from the Illinois Security Professionals Association.

This year's finalists include no outsiders or African American candidates, unlike previous cycles. Snelling, who is Black, led the department for less than three years, a period largely free of controversy. During his tenure, murders fell to historic lows and the DNC ran smoothly, though he also had to navigate the unprecedented deployment of federal agents across Chicago during Operation Midway Blitz.

Mayor Johnson must now make his selection while facing reelection. Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th), whose Southwest Side ward is home to many police officers, was among a handful of City Council members who tried and failed to postpone the search until after the mayoral election, fearing political uncertainty would discourage top candidates. But O'Shea said Ursitti's presence among the finalists proves "maybe I was wrong."

"I am a big fan of Antoinette Ursitti. If you look at her clearance rates, the job that she did as chief of detectives was nothing short of remarkable," O'Shea said. "She's a strong leader. She understands how important it is that we continue to invest in technology to support the work the men and women do in the Chicago Police Department. … I would run her up against anybody as far as being a law enforcement leader. She would be a great selection."

O'Shea contrasted Snelling with his predecessor, David Brown, an outsider from Dallas who was never accepted by rank-and-file officers and saw morale plummet. "Larry Snelling came in and told the men and women, 'I've got your back.' He held them accountable, but he made it clear, 'I've got your back if you're doing your job.' Antoinette Ursitti will continue with that," O'Shea said.

Ald. Nick Sposato (38th), another staunch supporter of the police union on the Council, called Ursitti the frontrunner. "First woman. First deputy. She's a good gal. I'd be very pleased if she's the choice," Sposato said. "I don't know how she's done as first deputy. But she's done a great job throughout her career. She's not flashy. But she's well-spoken, well-liked and well-respected. And for a woman to be respected in a man's world, that says a lot about the woman."

Sposato was also surprised that top candidates like Ursitti applied for a job that could be temporary depending on the mayoral race. "Why does anybody want this job? I don't know if they figure the uncertainty of what's going on with the election. Do they really want to take this on? Who knows who the next mayor is gonna be?" he said. "I find it hard to believe that the next mayor would bounce the superintendent — no matter who it is. I find that very difficult to believe. I certainly think they'll say, 'At least let them prove themselves for another year' or something like that."

John Catanzara, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, predicted the next superintendent won't last long. He said he has "very little doubt that there will be a new mayor and a new superintendent come spring."

"I highly doubt a new mayor is going to leave someone in place that they did not pick themselves," Catanzara said.

The selection comes at a critical moment for the city, as it grapples with public safety challenges and ongoing police reform. The next superintendent will inherit a department still under a federal consent decree and facing scrutiny over its relationship with communities of color. The mayor's decision will shape the direction of CPD for years to come.