A Cook County judge dismissed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging Greek-American Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ candidacy for Chicago mayor, ruling that the legal action was filed prematurely.
The lawsuit, brought by fellow mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan, sought to prevent Giannoulias and two other political figures from pursuing municipal office while simultaneously running for re-election to their current positions.
Circuit Court Judge Eve M. Reilly dismissed the case without ruling on the underlying legal question of whether candidates can seek two offices that cannot be held simultaneously.
Giannoulias’ Dual Candidacy Challenged
Giannoulias, who has formally announced his candidacy for Chicago mayor in 2027, is also seeking re-election as Illinois Secretary of State in the November 3 midterm elections.
The lawsuit also named Democratic U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, who is running for re-election in Illinois’ 5th Congressional District while pursuing the mayoralty, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, who is seeking another term as treasurer but has not formally declared a mayoral campaign.
Quinlan argued that their simultaneous campaigns violated changes to Illinois election law enacted in 2024.
Under the revised law, candidates whose names are presented for two or more incompatible offices must withdraw from all but one of those races.
The dispute centers on the timing of Chicago’s municipal election process. Candidates seeking a place on the 2027 mayoral ballot must file nominating petitions between October 19 and October 26, before the November 3 general election.
Previously, mayoral candidates could not begin filing petitions until after the preceding general election.
Quinlan Announces Appeal
Following Wednesday’s ruling, Quinlan announced plans to appeal, arguing that the court had not resolved the legality of the simultaneous candidacies.
“Today’s ruling was about timing, not substance,” Quinlan said in a statement.
“The court did not rule on whether Alexi Giannoulias, Mike Quigley and Maria Pappas can run for two incompatible offices at once. That question is still wide open, which is why we will appeal and seek a definitive answer before voters cast their ballots on Nov. 3.”
The dismissal leaves Giannoulias’ mayoral campaign unaffected by the lawsuit for now, while Quinlan seeks further judicial review.
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