Overview
- Pappas declared she is in the race during a Monday appearance on ChicagoLIVE, saying, "I'm in."
- She followed up Tuesday by calling herself "unofficially" in and said an official announcement will come after the 2026 treasurer election.
- Pappas has served as Cook County treasurer since 1998 and is the county’s longest-serving treasurer.
- She is framing her bid around experience and convening power, describing Chicago as needing a "gray-haired grandmother" ready to make tough decisions.
- Her stated run positions her among potential challengers to incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson in the developing 2027 field.