Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Launches Reelection Campaign for 2027

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his campaign for a second term in City Hall on Sunday, releasing a video and sitting for an interview with the New York Times to state his goal of making Chicago the safest and most affordable big city in the United States. Johnson enters a crowded field of contenders for the 2027 mayoral election, joining multiple statewide and local officials already in the race.

In his campaign launch video, Johnson pointed to his administration’s ongoing work and signaled his priorities for a second term. “We’re just getting started,” Johnson said in the video. “My job as mayor over the next four years is to make sure your life is more affordable. We are going to be the safest, most affordable big city in America by investing in working people.”

Policy Proposals and Second-Term Priorities

Johnson outlined several policy initiatives for his next term, including a proposed moratorium on the construction of new data centers within city limits and increased taxes on higher-income Chicagoans. He also highlighted his administration’s previous actions, citing the construction of thousands of new affordable housing units and the reopening of three mental health clinics across the city.

“As our economy continues to grow, economic development in our city will not come at the expense of working people,” Johnson said.

The mayor also addressed national politics, emphasizing his opposition to the immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump. “As long as I’m mayor of the city of Chicago, we will never submit to authoritarianism,” Johnson said.

A Crowded Field for the 2027 Mayoral Election

Johnson’s official entry into the race adds to a large pool of candidates vying for the mayoral seat. The field includes Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas.

Additional candidates who have announced runs include former Chicago Housing Authority Chairman Matt Brewer, entrepreneur Joe Holberg, businessman John Kelly, former cardiologist Dr. Lisa Nee, entrepreneur and philanthropist Willie Wilson, former U.S. Army National Guardsman Toni Brooks, conservative activist Danielle Carter-Walters, real estate developer Zoe Ma, CDOT repairman Jesse Maronto, and UIC researcher Jabari Taylor. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has also stated plans to run, though she has not yet officially launched her campaign.

The first round of the 2027 Chicago mayoral election is scheduled for late February, with a run-off contest set for early April if required.