Overview
- In a new interview, Mike Quigley called Chicago a "city in crisis" and outlined plans to close underpopulated schools, shrink city government and seek union concessions to stabilize pensions.
- He said he will remain a candidate regardless of who enters the race, naming high-profile Democrats such as Alexi Giannoulias and Susana Mendoza as potential rivals.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to discuss the contest or commit to a 2027 reelection bid when asked on Wednesday.
- Quigley is also seeking reelection to his U.S. House seat and had previously said a formal mayoral rollout would follow the March 2026 primary.
- Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas says she plans to run, others including Paul Vallas and Joe Holberg are in the mix, and Quigley reported raising about $250,000 recently ahead of the February 2027 mayoral primary.