Alexi Giannoulias Dominates Mayoral Hopeful Fundraising with $12 Million Haul

Secretary of State Giannoulias raises far more than other potential candidates as Chicago's 2027 mayoral race takes shape.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping, fractured shapes and figures in bold, contrasting colors, conveying the energy and chaos of a high-stakes political campaign.The high-stakes Chicago mayoral race is shaping up to be a clash of political titans, with deep-pocketed candidates vying for the city's top job.Chicago Today

Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois Secretary of State, raised over $12 million in the first quarter of 2026, far outpacing the fundraising totals of other potential candidates for the 2027 Chicago mayoral race. The massive war chest, which includes donations from labor unions and some of the city's wealthiest residents, would give Giannoulias a significant advantage if he decides to run. Meanwhile, current Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is expected to run as the lone progressive candidate, raised just over $176,000 during the same period, a fraction of what previous mayors brought in at this stage.

Why it matters

The 2027 Chicago mayoral election is shaping up to be a crowded and competitive race, with Giannoulias' massive fundraising haul potentially giving him an early edge over other moderate candidates. The contrast between Giannoulias' and Johnson's fundraising totals highlights the ongoing tension between the city's progressive and more centrist political factions, with the outcome of the race potentially having significant implications for the direction of Chicago's policies and priorities.

The details

Giannoulias' $12 million in first-quarter fundraising dwarfs the totals of other potential candidates, including Downtown Ald. Bill Conway ($100,000+), entrepreneur Joe Holberg ($285,171), veteran lobbyist John Kelly ($366,526), and State Comptroller Susana Mendoza ($125,767). The secretary of state's campaign war chest now stands at $18.3 million, with much of the new funding coming from labor unions and wealthy donors. In contrast, Mayor Johnson, who is expected to run as the lone progressive candidate, raised just over $176,000 during the same period, far less than what previous mayors Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel brought in at this stage of their campaigns.

  • Giannoulias raised over $12 million in the first quarter of 2026.
  • The 2027 Chicago mayoral election is scheduled for February 2027.

The players

Alexi Giannoulias

The Illinois Secretary of State who has raised over $12 million for a potential run for mayor of Chicago in 2027.

Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago, who is expected to run as the lone progressive candidate in the 2027 mayoral race and raised over $176,000 in the first quarter of 2026.

Christian Perry

The political director for Mayor Brandon Johnson's campaign.

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What they’re saying

“The city is in a crisis and is facing real challenges – there's no denying that – but I'm maniacally bullish on Chicago. I've spent my life here, and I firmly believe this city's best days are ahead of it.”

— Alexi Giannoulias

“We are doing what every good campaign should be doing for an incumbent, which is maintaining activity. This will be a campaign that's powered by working-class, blue-collar voters in the city of Chicago who want to see their interests represented on the Fifth Floor.”

— Christian Perry, Political Director, Brandon Johnson Campaign

What’s next

The 2027 Chicago mayoral election is scheduled for February 2027. Candidates have until late 2026 to officially declare their candidacy.

The takeaway

The stark contrast in fundraising between Alexi Giannoulias and Brandon Johnson highlights the ongoing tension between Chicago's political factions, with the outcome of the 2027 mayoral race potentially having significant implications for the city's future direction. The ability of progressive candidates to overcome well-funded moderate opponents will be a key storyline to watch as the election approaches.