Greek-American Democrat Alexi Giannoulias secured a second term as Illinois Secretary of State on Tuesday, November 3, defeating Republican challenger Diane Harris by a substantial margin, while simultaneously preparing for another major political contest: the Chicago mayoral election in February 2027.
Giannoulias received 2,464,081 votes, or 64.7%, compared with 1,346,821 votes, or 35.3%, for Harris, with approximately 86.3% of the expected vote counted. The Associated Press projected his victory, extending Democratic control of the statewide office.
Giannoulias, who first won the position in 2022 following the retirement of longtime Secretary of State Jesse White, campaigned on his administration’s efforts to modernize government services, expand online transactions and improve access to identification documents.
Modernization efforts and political priorities
During his first term, Giannoulias introduced initiatives aimed at reducing waiting times at driver services facilities and expanding the number of transactions residents can complete online. His administration also oversaw the implementation of REAL ID-compliant identification cards, including the creation of a dedicated service center in Chicago to accommodate increased demand before federal identification requirements took effect.
According to NBC 5 Chicago and WBEZ, Giannoulias also became involved in broader political debates, supporting Illinois legislation designed to protect public libraries from book bans and advocating greater accountability for federal immigration enforcement operations. Before becoming Secretary of State, Giannoulias served as Illinois State Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. He also ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate in 2010, losing to Republican Mark Kirk.
Born in Chicago to Greek immigrant parents, Giannoulias has maintained close connections with the Greek-American community. His political career has included longstanding ties with former President Barack Obama, who supported his early political ambitions.
Chicago mayoral election presents next major challenge for Giannoulias
Despite securing another four-year term in statewide office, Giannoulias is already campaigning to become mayor of Chicago in the municipal election scheduled for February 23, 2027.
He formally launched his mayoral campaign in August 2026 and has attracted support from business leaders and construction trade unions. According to the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, his campaign had accumulated approximately $22 million, providing substantial resources for a competitive election.
Giannoulias faces a crowded field that includes incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, US Representative Mike Quigley and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
His simultaneous candidacies have also generated legal controversy. Fellow mayoral candidate William Quinlan filed objections arguing that Illinois election law prohibits candidates from seeking incompatible offices simultaneously. Giannoulias’ legal representatives have rejected the challenge, and no final ruling on his eligibility has been issued.
If Giannoulias wins the mayoral election and assumes office, Governor JB Pritzker would appoint a replacement to complete his term as Illinois Secretary of State.
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