Chicago Mayoral Candidates Face Petition Challenges Ahead of 2027 Election

Mayor Brandon Johnson could lose his place on Chicago’s 2027 mayoral ballot if challenges to his nominating petitions leave him short of the required valid signatures. But the dispute remains a challenge, not a decision to remove him. Two hearings ended without a ruling Monday, November 9.

The campaign of mayoral rival Willie Wilson is seeking to disqualify signatures submitted by Johnson’s reelection campaign. The objections include allegations of photocopied signatures, signatures from people living outside Chicago, and problems with petition circulators. Wilson adviser and former state Sen. Rickey Hendon is leading that effort.