Giannoulias laps field in fundraising for Chicago mayor's race
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Alexi Giannoulias has amassed a $22 million fundraising haul, more than the rest of Chicago's 2027 mayoral field combined, a new analysis of state campaign finance records shows.
Why it matters: The fundraising numbers offer an early look at which candidates have the resources to spend heavily in the 2027 race.
Driving the news: The Institute for the Public Good, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization, released a study Tuesday titled "Who Is Funding Chicago's Mayoral Candidates?"
- It breaks down how much candidates have raised, as well as the types of donors, size of contributions and industries behind the money.
By the numbers: Giannoulias has raised more than the other 14 candidates combined since the 2023 mayoral runoff, according to the report.
- Alexi Giannoulias: $22.2 million
- Brandon Johnson: $3.5 million
- John Kelly: $2.5 million
- Susana Mendoza: $2.3 million
- Joe Holberg: $1.2 million
Yes, but: The totals include money raised since the 2023 mayoral runoff, not just contributions for the 2027 mayoral race.
- That's especially important for Giannoulias, who is also running for reelection as secretary of state this November.
Between the lines: Giannoulias' fundraising is dominated by unions, large donors and businesses, while Johnson has raised the most small-donor money in absolute dollars ($482,000). Small donors represent 14% of Johnson's total, compared with less than 2% for Giannoulias.
- Unions have poured millions into candidates' campaign funds, making them one of the largest sources of money in the field.
- Giannoulias reported more than $21 million in cash on hand as of June 30, while Johnson reported less than $700,000.
Of note: The Institute for the Public Good's current data includes only contributions over $1,000 since July 1. Smaller donations from July through September will be added after quarterly reports are filed in October.
Flashback: Money hasn't guaranteed victory in recent Chicago mayoral elections. Paul Vallas outraised Johnson in 2023, and 2019's top fundraiser, Bill Daley, didn't even make the runoff.