Chicago’s political landscape is set for a potential shake-up as Congressman Mike Quigley announces his ambitions to step into the mayoral race.
On Friday, Quigley made it clear that his intentions are serious; he’s gearing up to compete against current Mayor Brandon Johnson.
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Quigley is poised to join an expectedly packed roster of candidates vying for the city’s top job. Although he considered running four years ago, he ultimately opted out. However, this time around, he feels the circumstances have changed.
In a candid conversation at a Lakeview eatery, the Fifth District Congressman shared his vision for Chicago’s future.
“I’m running for mayor. I love this city. It has everything it needs to succeed—its people, its institutions, its location, its fresh water. It has everything but the will to tackle its tough challenges,” Quigley remarked.
He took the first formal step last fall by submitting organizational papers amid the City Council’s contentious budget discussions, citing Chicago’s financial woes as a key motivator.
“It was probably the last straw in recognizing that the city I love, the city I’ve invested most of my adult life into, is really in a critical point,” Quigley said.
Quigley served on the Cook County Board, and has been in Congress since 2009. He will be 68 this fall.
“This is the perfect time and place. I don’t see anyone even contemplating a run for the mayor’s office who knows what the problems are, knows what we have to do,” Quigley said.
Quigley says he knows the importance of building a relationship with the business community, which was frustrated with Johnson because of his failed push for a corporate head tax.
“If we’re going to succeed, the next mayor of Chicago has to be, ‘build baby build,’ has to be pro-business,” Quigley said. “Bottom line, we’re not going to tax our way out of our problem; we’re going to grow our way out of our problem.”
Quigley took a shot at Mayor Johnson for playing coy about his own reelection plans earlier this week.
“When it’s time to talk politics, you know, we’ll get into that,” Johnson said.
“If I had to guess, he needs some good news before he makes an announcement, and he hasn’t had good news for some time,” Quigley said.
Quigley calls himself a “New Democrat,” liberal on social issues while moderate on fiscal ones. He knows he’s likely to face a crowded field with two declared candidates already.
“You do what you did before. You be authentic. You be yourself. You tell the truth. You let them know what your track record is. I’ve won in crowded fields twice against extraordinary candidates. I’m ready to go, in it to win it,” Quigley said.
Under Illinois election law, it is perfectly legal for Quigley to run for Congress this year, and then for mayor in 2027. He’s hoping his popularity in the 5th District will propel him to the fifth floor at City Hall.
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