Alexi Giannoulias launches campaign for Chicago mayor
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Alexi Giannoulias speaks to supporters at IBEW headquarters on Sunday afternoon in Bronzeville. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
Alexi Giannoulias has announced he's running for mayor of Chicago.
The latest: The Illinois secretary of state officially launched his campaign on social media and held a rally for supporters at the IBEW Local 134 headquarters in Bronzeville Sunday afternoon.
Why it matters: His decision means Chicago's next mayoral race is shaping up to feature some of the biggest names in Illinois Democratic politics.
What they're saying: "I believe fundamentally that government can be both competent and compassionate," Giannoulias said to a crowd of supporters Sunday. "Chicago deserves a city hall that works as hard as the people it serves."
The big picture: Giannoulias joins an already crowded field for next year's election and is widely viewed as one of the strongest potential challengers to Mayor Brandon Johnson.
- He is also running for reelection as secretary of state this November. If he wins, he could continue serving in that role while campaigning for mayor, giving him a political safety net if his City Hall bid falls short.
By the numbers: Giannoulias has nearly $22 million in campaign cash, according to the latest campaign finance reports released in July.
Zoom out: The longtime Democrat launched his political career by winning election as state treasurer in 2006 and taking office in 2007. He was considered a rising star, speaking at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Reality check: His political rise stalled after losing a contentious U.S. Senate race to Republican Mark Kirk in 2010.
- After more than a decade out of elected office, he returned in 2022 by winning the race for secretary of state.
The other side: Giannoulias has emphasized issues such as government modernization, consumer protection and opposition to several Trump administration policies, while trying to position himself as a pragmatic alternative in the race.
Yes, but: For mayor, he'll be running against other Democrats, including state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and possibly incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson.
- Johnson has not formally announced whether he'll seek a second term.
The bottom line: The worst-kept secret in Chicago politics is finally official: Alexi Giannoulias is in, bringing one of the biggest campaign war chests in Illinois politics with him.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include quotes from Alexi Giannoulias' campaign event on Sunday afternoon.