CHICAGO () — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias intensified his critique of Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday, using his first sit-down interview since entering the 2027 Chicago mayoral race to make the case that the city needs a change at the top.
His comments came as Johnson’s administration faced another high-profile exit: the mayor’s budget director stepped down just as the city heads into budget season. Giannoulias argued that the departure is part of a larger pattern of instability inside City Hall.
“I feel as if the city’s leadership has failed, and I want to be part of the solution,” Giannoulias said.
Just two days after formally launching his campaign for Chicago mayor, Giannoulias took direct aim at Johnson’s tenure, highlighting what he characterized as ongoing turmoil among senior city officials.
“I’m saying this mayor has not met the moment, and that’s not my opinion. Those are facts. We saw it with the resignation, the revolving door of high-level administrators leaving the office, city officials leaving,” he said.
Earlier Tuesday, Giannoulias joined Gov. JB Pritzker as the governor signed two consumer protection measures designed to shield Illinois residents from unfair hikes in auto insurance and homeowners insurance rates.
“Today was a great day for the people, and it’s a testament to what we’ve done in the Secretary of State’s Office and what we’re going to do at City Hall,” Giannoulias said.
Giannoulias did not directly answer whether voters should have concerns about him running for reelection as secretary of state in November while also pursuing the mayor’s office in February.
“I think voters decide what’s important to them, and I will tell you unequivocally: They want competence. They want someone who will get things done, and someone who will work to unite this city,” he said. “I think a part of our campaign is not just about winning a mayor’s race, it’s looking at making sure there’s a City Council that we can work with, an elected school board that is independent.”
Giannoulias also said addressing the city’s pension crisis will require broad cooperation.
“Everyone’s going to have to make sacrifices going forward. We’re all going to have to work together. That means organized labor. That means working families. That means elected officials. That means the business community,” he said.
Johnson, meanwhile, has not announced whether he will seek another term. He said he believes Chicagoans deserve a period without campaign politics.
“I just believe that the people of Chicago deserve like a season where their mayor is not involved in a whole bunch of political conversation, right?” Johnson said.
Ten candidates have already declared their campaigns for mayor. Businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson has scheduled what he calls a “big announcement” for next Monday, signaling he may soon join the race.
