CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has officially announced her candidacy for the position of Chicago’s mayor, making her intentions known on Wednesday.
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During her announcement, Mendoza emphasized that the city of Chicago deserves a leadership that exhibits greater competence.
She joins a competitive race with numerous candidates vying for the opportunity to lead from the fifth floor of City Hall.
Mendoza distinguished herself by being the first candidate to host an official campaign launch event.
Determined to win, Mendoza didn’t hold back her criticisms of the current administration, indicating that the mayoral race will be intensely contested.
Her campaign launch took place in Little Village, a neighborhood where she was raised.
Her campaign slogan is “progress is greater than promises.”
The announcement came after a nearly year-long listening tour.
“What became clear, though, is that Chicago is facing three major crises: a financial crisis, a public safety crisis and a crisis of confidence that things will get better,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza announced last July she would not run for reelection as state comptroller.
“Chicago has tossed mayors out of office for blizzards, corruption and incompetence. Right now, Chicago’s experiencing a blizzard of incompetence,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza is considered a top contender in the upcoming race and has significant strengths along with some weaknesses.
Her centrist Democrat appeal as a pro-police candidate will play well in some communities as she touts a campaign for affordability.
As a three-term Illinois state comptroller, former Chicago city clerk and former state representative, Mendoza has strong name recognition and a reputation for being fiscally competent.
However, her campaign will not be without its challenges.
In 2019, Mendoza ran for mayor and finished in fifth place.
She says she learned a lot from that campaign.
“This is the beauty of having run and lost. I think people who do their best work are people who have had challenges, have been punched in the face and decided to get back up,” Mendoza said.
A Mendoza victory remains challenging with a crowded field of contenders.
Congressman Mike Quigley, along with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, are among those who have already said they are running for Chicago mayor in 2027.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias might be next on the list; although he hasn’t formally announced his run. He’s amassed an $18 million war chest.
“Money is not going to determine the outcome of this race. Hard work, great determination and a connection with the people that I think I have way more than any other candidate,” Mendoza said.
ABC7 Chicago political analyst Laura Washington says a Mendoza victory could be tough in a field of other well-funded moderate and progressive candidates.
Her messaging about bringing stability back to government could resonate with voters.
By announcing early, Mendoza has created some momentum for her campaign while building a significant war chest for the race.
Current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson hasn’t said if he will be seeking another term; although, he is expected to.
When asked about Mendoza’s announcement on Wednesday, Johnson said: “Here is the good thing about Chicago: There is a mayoral race every four years. So, there is no breaking news there.”
He also rattled off a list of accomplishments that sounded like a campaign speech.
“I will say this: Here’s a good thing about governance. I don’t have to give speeches because we can actually just show our work, and the work is clear,” Johnson said.
The mayoral primary election is Tuesday, Feb. 23.
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