Giannoulias Attempts to Deflect Mayoral Questions
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who confirmed Tuesday he’s considering a race for Chicago Mayor. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
After filing a first quarter campaign finance report where he raised an eye-popping $12 million and had $18 million cash on hand, speculation has ramped up that Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is laying the groundwork for a run for Chicago Mayor in 2027.
But Giannoulias doesn’t seem particularly chatty about the topic.
We spoke to the Secretary of State for a few minutes after a press event in suburban Des Plaines Tuesday and asked him where his head is at as he considers a run for Chicago Mayor.
Giannoulias tried to deflect and said he’s focused on his two legislative priorities this spring.
When pressed, Giannoulias confirmed he’s thinking about the mayoral race.
“I love my job. I love being Secretary of State,” he said. “I also care deeply about the city and I think things should be going better in the city. So, I’m taking a look and happy to have people that are supportive.”
We asked if his interest in the office was due to incumbent Brandon Johnson’s job performance.
“I think the financial challenge the city is facing is enormous, but I remain bullish on if we can make some more efficient management decisions, we can get things back on track,” he said. “I don’t think it should be viewed as fixing it or not fixing it.”
Giannoulias is seeking re-election as Secretary of State in November, which could lead to accusations of a shadow campaign for Mayor while running for his current position, too. Similar accusations dogged Comptroller Susana Mendoza in 2018 into the 2019 mayoral race.
But Giannoulias didn’t give any sort of time frame for making a decision on his plans.
