Greek American Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced his candidacy for mayor of Chicago, joining an increasingly crowded race that could determine whether Mayor Brandon Johnson wins a second term.
Giannoulias, 50, is also seeking reelection as Illinois secretary of state in the November elections. He said he entered the mayoral race because Chicago residents “deserve better from City Hall.”
He officially launched his campaign at the headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134. The venue underscored the significant support he has received from major labor unions, several of which did not back Johnson in the previous mayoral election.
Greek American Alexi Giannoulias promises to unite Chicago
During his campaign speech, Giannoulias repeatedly emphasized that he intends to unite rather than divide the city. “The people of Chicago are not asking for perfection, but they expect leadership that listens, works hard and loves this city as much as they do,” he said.
He pledged to lead a city administration that delivers results and “gets the job done.” Although Giannoulias did not present an extensive policy platform, he outlined several priorities, including universal access to early childhood education, a higher minimum wage, expanded affordable housing, and a fairer tax system designed to protect working families.
Public safety and a thousand additional police officers
Giannoulias placed public safety at the center of his early campaign agenda. He proposed hiring one thousand additional police officers, arguing that increased staffing would reduce the city’s reliance on overtime. According to figures he cited during his speech, police overtime cost Chicago taxpayers nearly $286 million in 2025.
He also called for an evaluation of the city’s gunshot-detection system. Giannoulias left open the possibility of retaining the technology if an assessment finds that it works effectively.
Several members of the Chicago City Council joined him at the campaign launch, along with labor leaders and union members wearing shirts bearing the slogan “LiUNA! For Alexi.” Their presence reinforced the organized support Giannoulias has already secured within the city’s labor movement.
Greek American Alexi Giannoulias enters race with fundraising advantage
Giannoulias is expected to begin the mayoral campaign with a considerable financial advantage. His campaign account reportedly holds approximately $21.7 million, including substantial contributions from major labor unions.
Critics have questioned his decision to pursue two elected positions simultaneously because he is campaigning for reelection as secretary of state while also seeking the Chicago mayoral race. Giannoulias compared the mayoral campaign to applying for a new job. He argued that he had no reason to leave his current position while pursuing another role.
From professional basketball in Greece to Illinois politics
Born in Chicago to Greek parents, Giannoulias attended the University of Chicago and Boston University, where he studied economics. He later played professional basketball in Greece’s top division with Panionios.
He subsequently earned a law degree from Tulane University before returning to Chicago to work at his family’s Broadway Bank. Illinois voters elected Giannoulias state treasurer in 2006. In 2010, he ran for the US Senate but narrowly lost to Republican Mark Kirk.
He returned to elected office in 2022 after winning the race for Illinois secretary of state. During his tenure, Giannoulias has promoted the modernization of state services, including digital driver’s licenses and expanded online transactions for the public. Furthermore, he has supported measures opposing book bans in public libraries.
Giannoulias has criticized federal immigration enforcement operations, alleging that authorities violated Illinois law by using data collected through automated license plate recognition systems.
Crowded field competing for Chicago city hall
Giannoulias joins a growing field of candidates seeking to lead the nation’s third-largest city.
Other candidates include Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, US Representative Mike Quigley, Cook County Commissioner George Cardenas and Chicago Housing Authority Board Chairman Matthew Brewer.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has not yet formally announced whether he will seek a second term.
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