Politics
Giannoulias reports $19.2 million in Chicago mayoral campaign account, far ahead of Johnson
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias reported more than $19 million in campaign cash through Sept. 30, compared with $379,471 for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Johnson announced Sunday that he intends to seek a second term.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias reported $19.15 million in campaign cash as Chicago’s next mayoral contest began to take shape, far more than any other candidate listed in the latest state filings.
The third-quarter reports, filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, cover the period from July 1 through Sept. 30. Mayor Brandon Johnson reported $379,471 on hand. He announced Sunday that he plans to run for a second term.
Johnson’s reported balance has fallen over the year, from $813,125.19 in the first quarter to $631,309.34 in the second, and then to $379,471 in the third-quarter report.
Other reported totals include $2.52 million for John Kelly, $1.73 million for state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and $1.06 million for Joe Holberg. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley reported $343,482, while former Cook County Board Commissioner Bill Quinlan reported $204,215.
The remaining listed totals were $106,174 for state Sen. George Cardenas, $91,869.79 for Liam Stanton, $50,697.51 for Dr. Lisa Nee and $48,453 for Willie Wilson.
Campaign cash can pay for staff, outreach, advertising and other election expenses, giving well-funded campaigns more resources to reach voters. The figures are a snapshot of reported funds, not a measure of voter support, and the large gap between Giannoulias and the other listed candidates does not determine who will win.