Two Greek Americans could end up on the same mayoral ballot in Chicago. A pending lawsuit, however, could complicate those plans before the race fully takes shape.
Chicago’s 2027 mayoral race could bring an unusual contest involving two prominent Greek Americans: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
The two are not yet confirmed as mayoral opponents. Giannoulias has formally launched his campaign, while Pappas has said she plans to run but has not formally launched her mayoral campaign.
The race also includes a long list of other candidates. The final field will take shape after candidates complete the formal petition process.
Maria Pappas Prepares for a Mayoral Run
Pappas has served as Cook County treasurer since 1998. Her tenure has made her one of the longest-serving elected officials in the Chicago area.
Before becoming treasurer, she served as a Cook County commissioner from 1990 to 1998.
Pappas was born in Warwood, West Virginia. She is the granddaughter of Cretan immigrants and grew up with strong ties to her Greek heritage.
Her official biography says she studied Greek language and music as a child. She later moved to Chicago and built her career in public service.
As Cook County treasurer, Pappas oversees an office responsible for collecting and distributing property tax revenue across the county.
Her office has also expanded online services and automated many of its operations during her tenure.
Pappas has said she intends to seek the Chicago mayoralty in 2027. She has also continued to pursue another term as Cook County treasurer.
For now, however, her mayoral campaign remains at the pre-launch stage. That distinction matters as candidates move toward the formal filing period.
A Possible Greek-American Contest
Giannoulias formally entered the mayoral race in August. He has served as Illinois secretary of state since 2023 and previously served as Illinois state treasurer.
His Greek-American background and political career have already been covered in detail.
If Pappas formally enters the race, Chicago could see two prominent Greek Americans competing for mayor in the same election.
The two also have a history of political rivalry in Illinois. That history adds another dimension to the possibility of their appearing on the same mayoral ballot.
Still, it would be premature to describe the election as a Giannoulias-Pappas contest.
Chicago’s mayoral field remains crowded. It includes several elected officials and other potential candidates, with the final list still subject to the formal election process.
Chicago’s Mayoral Field Remains Open
Candidates began circulating nominating petitions in July. They must file those petitions with the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners between October 19 and October 26, 2026.
The election will take place on February 23, 2027. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two will meet in a runoff on April 6.
Lawsuit Adds Another Issue to the Race
Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan filed a case challenging whether Giannoulias, Pappas, and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley can seek reelection to their current offices while also pursuing the mayoralty.
The lawsuit asks the court to interpret an Illinois election law concerning candidates who seek two potentially incompatible offices.
It does not mean that a court has barred any of the three from running for mayor. The case remains pending.
For now, Chicago’s 2027 mayoral contest remains unsettled.
Pappas has signaled her intention to enter. Giannoulias is already campaigning, while several other candidates are also seeking a place on the ballot.
Whether Chicago voters ultimately see two Greek Americans competing for mayor will become clearer as the formal filing process moves forward.
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