Small business owner Liam Stanton announces run for Chicago mayor

Stanton, 38, plans to focus campaign on affordability, small businesses and public safety

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Liam Stanton, a 38-year-old small business owner and lifelong Chicagoan, has announced he is running for mayor of Chicago. Stanton plans to formally launch his campaign on Sunday at the Irish American Heritage Center, where he will outline a platform focused on affordability, economic growth, and safer neighborhoods.

Why it matters

Stanton's entry into the mayoral race provides an alternative to longtime City Hall leaders, as he positions himself as a grassroots candidate focused on practical reforms to improve the lives of working families across Chicago's neighborhoods.

The details

According to his campaign, Stanton holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and has founded and led companies that support small businesses and connect Chicago residents with jobs. He also founded the Chicago Style Project, a nonprofit focused on making city government work better for working families. Stanton's campaign platform will center on three priorities: making the city more affordable by building more family-sized housing and expanding access to universal child care, creating a small business-friendly environment with job growth and investment across the city, and improving public safety through technology and data-driven strategies.

  • Stanton plans to formally launch his campaign at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2026 at the Irish American Heritage Center.
  • The Chicago mayoral election will be held in February 2027.

The players

Liam Stanton

A 38-year-old small business owner and lifelong Chicagoan who is running for mayor of Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“I love this city. Chicago should be a place where every family in every neighborhood can put down roots and build a good life. But too many feel like they're doing everything right and still being left behind. It's time to hit the gas and get Chicago moving again.”

— Liam Stanton (Campaign statement)

What’s next

Stanton plans to formally launch his campaign at a public event on Sunday, February 20, 2026 at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago.

The takeaway

Stanton's entry into the Chicago mayoral race provides a grassroots alternative focused on practical reforms to improve affordability, support small businesses, and enhance public safety across the city's neighborhoods, in contrast to longtime City Hall leaders.