The field includes incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is seeking a second term, as well as Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley. The election is nonpartisan.

Johnson has said he wants to continue pursuing a safer and more affordable city, with an emphasis on investing in working people. Giannoulias has asked voters to assess his record modernizing services and operations at the secretary of state’s office. Mendoza says her campaign is focused on making city government work better for residents, while Pappas is highlighting her experience managing public budgets and increasing financial transparency.

Quigley, who is also seeking reelection to Congress, has argued that Chicago’s finances need to be stabilized. He has described the city’s financial foundation as a central challenge. The other candidates are former Chicago Housing Authority board chair and CEO Matt Brewer; former alderman and current Cook County Board of Review member George Cardenas; businessman Joe Holberg; businessman John Kelly; and businessman John Kitover, who describes himself as a Republican-Libertarian.

The remaining candidates are Zoe Ma, chair of the Cook County Green Party; traffic signal repair worker Jesse Maronto; cardiologist and former Hines VA Hospital whistleblower Dr. Lisa Nee; attorney and Lawrence Hall board chair Bill Quinlan; Danielle Carter-Walters; and businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson, making his fourth bid for mayor.

Their stated priorities range from affordability and public safety to city finances, housing and jobs. Brewer has called for pairing economic growth with investment in overlooked communities. Holberg has proposed building more housing, supporting business growth and balancing the city budget. Kitover has called for lower taxes and reduced borrowing, while Ma has proposed guaranteed basic income, career tutoring for Chicago Public Schools students and relief from property tax burdens.

Maronto said she plans to run as a write-in candidate after the petition challenge period and has promoted a program intended to improve access to affordable food in neighborhoods with limited options. Nee has emphasized affordability and accessible public services. Quinlan has proposed a 10-year city budget plan, and Carter-Walters’ campaign has outlined proposals focused on public safety and reducing government costs. Wilson has cited affordable housing, job creation, trade-skills training and the city’s pension obligations among his priorities.

The next step is review of the petitions and any challenges to signatures. The outcome will determine which campaigns qualify for the February ballot.