MOORE’S SUMMARY: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said Tuesday that he’s “focused right now on finishing the session” but acknowledged that conversations about a widely-speculated 2027 campaign for Chicago mayor are just on the horizon.
“I think after session we’ll have a little more time to have those conversations,” Giannoulias told me after speaking at the Illinois Manufacturers Association and Illinois Retail Merchants Association’s annual business day event in Springfield. “I’m not trying to be evasive. It’s just my focus is on a couple of these bills right now.”
Giannoulias was referring to bills that would give the Illinois Department of Insurance the authority to review and approve auto and home insurance rate increases, among other reforms. They were scheduled to be heard in the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday afternoon.
ZOOM OUT: Giannoulias, who faces nominal GOP opposition in the November election, is considered a top contender to challenge Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in the 2027 mayor’s race. He raised an eye-popping $12 million in the first three months of 2026 and is sitting on $18.3 million in his campaign war chest, according to campaign finance records.
The bulk of those campaign donations came from a combination of influential building trade unions and a who’s who of Chicago’s business community and civic elite.
‘PRO-BUSINESS’: In a 10-minute speech to hundreds of Illinois employers at the IMA and IRMA’s event, Giannoulias delivered what they wanted to hear, touting his upbringing in a family business and the importance of economic growth.
“I just want you to know that I happen to be a Democrat, and I’m a proud Democrat, but I’m also pro-business,” Giannoulias said. “I understand the importance of having a company not just do business here but want to do business here. I don’t believe you villainize people who have created success. I don’t believe you villainize people who have built great businesses. Maybe that puts me out of touch with certain segments – I don’t care.”
This may have been a not-so-veiled shot at Johnson, who has sought to impose a per-employee head tax on business with more than 100 workers and a payroll expense tax on large businesses, among other proposals opposed by the business community.
When asked what type of mayor Chicago needs, Giannoulias answered generally:
“I think we need mayors and elected officials that are willing to fight back” against the Trump Administration and “have a pro-growth agenda and are willing to fight for middle class, working families. To me, it’s pretty simple.”
WHO’S RUNNING? So far, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley are among those who have declared their intent to run for mayor. But several more are expected to get in. Among state elected officials, Giannoulias, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and state Rep. Kam Buckner are mulling bids.
The mayoral election is February 23, 2027.
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