As the spring legislative session nears its end in Illinois, attention is shifting away from the legislative agenda and toward the political ambitions of key state officials.
With significant legislative advancements seemingly stalled, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Comptroller Susana Mendoza have become subjects of speculation regarding their potential candidacies for the mayor of Chicago in 2027.
The current mayor, Brandon Johnson, has gained a notably unfavorable reputation, causing a renewed appetite among Chicagoans for alternative leadership.
Amidst rumors that Giannoulias and Mendoza might forgo reelection in their current roles in favor of an ambitious run for mayor, discussions have intensified with the approaching Cook County Democratic Party candidate slating in July.
I recently caught up with Giannoulias at the Statehouse, where I inquired whether he planned to run for reelection.
His response was straightforward: “I’m running for reelection.” Although he stated his intention to seek another term, Giannoulias notably did not confirm nor deny a future bid for mayor.
In comparison, Mendoza’s situation is more nuanced.
She won her reelection in 2018 by a commanding 23-point margin against her Republican opponent.
However, the unexpected withdrawal of Rahm Emanuel from the mayoral race in September of that same year shifted the political landscape significantly.
As a result, Mendoza found herself amidst speculation concerning a mayoral run much earlier than anticipated.
Reports surfaced just days before the election that a TV ad draft announcing her candidacy was leaked, sparking controversy.
Though Mendoza clarified that it was only a contingency plan, the incident may have affected her subsequent mayoral campaign, which ended before the second round of voting.
In light of past experiences, I asked Mendoza’s team if she planned to run for reelection as comptroller or pursue the mayoral seat.
A spokesperson provided a statement indicating that Comptroller Mendoza is considering her options, including the possibility of running for reelection.
The spokesperson assured that Mendoza remains passionate about her role in public service.
However, they clarified an essential point: “She will not run for two offices at the same time. Whatever she decides to run for, she’ll be all-in.”
This statement raises questions about Mendoza’s potential candidacy in both arenas.
There are varied opinions regarding Mendoza’s cautious approach to the upcoming elections.
Some suggest she may be overestimating the impact of her previous mayoral experience that did not secure her a spot beyond the first round.
On the other hand, there are concerns that Giannoulias may not fully grasp the mounting pressure and potential backlash he could encounter if he pursues both reelection and a mayoral run.
The role of Secretary of State is widely regarded as one of the most desirable positions within state government.
Had Giannoulias hesitated in his declaration of intent to run again, he could have faced a wave of contenders eager to replace him.
While there are fewer interested candidates eyeing the position of state comptroller, Mendoza’s decision to step away could spiral into further changes within the Illinois political structure.
The race for the upcoming U.S. Senate seat, soon vacated by Dick Durbin’s impending retirement, has already seen interest from several Illinois office holders.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi have both declared their intentions to campaign for the position.
These moves may trigger a chain reaction of candidates and potential candidates emerging, many of whom are current officials prepared to renounce their current positions to seek higher office.
This could create significant turbulence in down-ballot races as well, or lead to appointments that result in further vacancies needing to be filled.
Additionally, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has also announced her run for the U.S. Senate seat, meaning that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will need to select a new running mate.
Should he choose an existing elected official, that will add yet another layer of openings and transitions.
Furthermore, news of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s retirement has already sparked interest from candidates looking to succeed her, including Democratic state Sen. Laura Fine—who will need to vacate her seat to pursue the candidacy.
With rumors circulating about U.S. Rep. Danny Davis potentially not seeking reelection, it’s clear that next year will usher in an exciting and eventful campaign season in Illinois.
Rich Miller, who runs Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, details this ongoing political theater as it unfolds.
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