Chicago Snowplow Naming Contest Winners Announced

Residents submit creative names like 'Abolish ICE' and 'Pope Frío XIV' for city's fleet

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The city of Chicago announced the six winning names for its annual snowplow naming contest, which received a record 13,300 entries and 39,000 votes from residents. The winning names include 'Abolish ICE', 'Stephen Coldbert', 'Pope Frío XIV', 'The Blizzard of Oz', 'Svencoolie', and 'Caleb Chilliams'.

Why it matters

The snowplow naming contest is a popular annual tradition in Chicago that allows residents to engage with local government and showcase their creativity. The high level of participation this year reflects the city's civic pride and sense of community, even during the winter months.

The details

Chicago received a record number of entries (13,300) and votes (39,000) for this year's snowplow naming contest. The six winning names were selected from an initial pool of 25 finalists. Winners will be offered a photo opportunity with their named snowplow as well as city swag.

  • The annual snowplow naming contest concluded on February 14, 2026.
  • The winning names were announced by the city on February 24, 2026.

The players

Mayor Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who thanked residents for their creativity and civic pride in the snowplow naming contest.

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What they’re saying

“I want to thank the people of Chicago for their unmatched creativity, sense of humor, and civic pride. We are grateful and inspired by the record-breaking participation in the contest this year. As we get through the last of the winter months, I encourage Chicagoans to seek out available resources through 311 and to continue interacting and engaging with local government.”

— Mayor Johnson (newsnationnow.com)

What’s next

Winners will be offered a photo opportunity with their named snowplow in the next few weeks, along with city swag.

The takeaway

The high level of participation in Chicago's snowplow naming contest demonstrates the city's strong community spirit and engagement with local government, even during the winter months when snow removal is a top priority.