As candidates for Chicago's 2027 mayoral election submitted their nominating petitions on Monday, the race solidified with 16 contenders officially entering the ballot lottery for a final spot. Candidates brought a mix of signature volumes and personal approaches to the submission process, which marks a crucial step toward the February election.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, one of the candidates, turned in over 26,000 signatures—more than double the 12,500 minimum required to get on the ballot—though she ranked near the lower end among others who have already filed. Mendoza emphasized the quality rather than quantity of signatures, stating her goal is to run the city with efficiency and impact. She distributed homemade tamales to election workers and other candidates, illustrating a personal touch to her campaign. Mendoza also signaled uncertainty about whether she would challenge opponents’ petitions once the formal review process begins.

Several other candidates submitted significantly higher numbers this week. Cardiologist Dr. Lisa Nee filed 31,000 signatures, while attorney William Quinlan submitted 26,000. Quinlan, who previously filed a dismissed lawsuit concerning candidates running for multiple offices, intends to appeal and has voiced calls for reform of Chicago’s signature-gathering system, describing it as outdated and ineffective. He also distanced himself from political insiders despite past work with former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s administration, distinguishing his personal record from the former governor’s controversies.

Leading earlier filings were Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias with about 60,000 signatures, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (42,000), lobbyist John Kelly (36,000), Mayor Brandon Johnson (33,000), Chicago Housing Authority Commissioner Matt Brewer (32,000), and businessman Willie Wilson (30,000). Many opponents are expected to scrutinize each other’s petitions during the upcoming challenge period.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas submitted nearly 40,000 signatures alongside candidates such as Holberg (32,000) and Cardenas (31,500). Other late filers include Mayra "Ma" Rodriguez, who described herself as the first Chinese American, Muslim, and naturalized candidate in the race, submitting 17,000 signatures, and Carla Carter-Walters, a notable supporter of former President Donald Trump, who filed just over 13,000 signatures. Both acknowledged their relatively low tallies make them vulnerable to potential challenges but indicated they do not plan to contest others’ petitions. Carter-Walters warned she will respond in kind if her own signatures are challenged.

Candidates have until Nov. 2 to file objections to petitions. This mayoral election will occur alongside all 50 aldermanic races, as well as for city clerk and treasurer positions. If no candidate achieves a majority in the Feb. 23 primary, a runoff between the top two vote-getters will be held April 6.