Overview
- Giannoulias officially announced his campaign on Sunday and positioned himself as a coalition builder with broad business and labor backing.
- State campaign finance records show he had about $22 million available as of June 30, giving him a clear fundraising advantage over other contenders.
- He laid out specific priorities that include hiring 1,000 police officers by 2030, restoring ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology, and supporting a 3% tax on income over $1 million.
- Giannoulias is running for mayor while remaining on the ballot for reelection as Illinois secretary of state, a dual campaign that drew criticism from Republican opponent Diane Harris who says it abandons state duties.
- The race is crowded with declared and potential candidates and now moves toward petition circulation and the Oct. 26 filing deadline ahead of the Feb. 23, 2027 first-round election and an April runoff if no one wins a majority; Chicago’s fiscal shortfalls and pension crisis are central issues candidates must address.