Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign fundraising for the third quarter of 2026 significantly trailed behind many of his mayoral challengers, according to state campaign finance reports filed this week. Between July 1 and September 30, Johnson raised $123,000, leaving his campaign with $379,500 on hand after spending nearly $375,000 during the period.
By contrast, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias raised a commanding $3 million in the same quarter, holding a total of $19.2 million after expenditures of $5.7 million. Giannoulias has emerged as the top fundraiser in the 2027 Chicago mayoral race, attracting substantial backing from wealthy individuals and labor unions. Notably, investor Matthew Pritzker contributed $250,000, while other billionaires and union committees cumulatively donated millions of dollars.
Other candidates also reported sizeable fundraising totals. Lobbyist John Kelly raised $1.5 million and retained $2.5 million; Chicago Housing Authority Commissioner Matthew Brewer collected $404,600 and had $239,300 remaining; and businessman Willie Wilson reported $400,000 in self-loans but ended with only $48,500 available. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley and attorney Bill Quinlan raised $332,300 and $282,400, respectively, while Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza raised $276,900 last quarter, holding $1.7 million overall.
Johnson’s fundraising profile is marked by a high proportion of small donations, with over $41,000 coming from contributions under $150, representing about one-third of his total haul that quarter. This contrasts with many rivals relying on large sums from affluent donors or personal loans. Johnson has criticized the influence of big money in the race, questioning the state of democracy when “billionaires and corporations” dominate campaign financing.
Labor unions have largely thrown support behind Giannoulias, including significant contributions from committees representing engineers, ironworkers, laborers, and other trades. These groups have donated millions so far in 2026. Johnson’s primary expected alliance is the Chicago Teachers Union, which has yet to officially endorse but is anticipated to support him later in the campaign. Other major city labor organizations, including the Service Employees International Union, have withheld formal endorsements for the mayoral candidates at this stage.
The race also features competing interests on issues such as school choice. Johnson is the sole candidate advocating for an extension of the moratorium on Chicago Public Schools closures set to expire next year. Giannoulias favors addressing under-enrollment at certain campuses. Mendoza has received significant donations from school choice advocates, including sizable contributions from Jim Frank, CEO of Wheels Inc. and Illinois Network of Charter Schools board member.
Some candidates bolstered their fundraising totals through substantial personal loans. Alongside Wilson’s $400,000 loan, Joe Holberg lent $100,000 to his campaign and Dr. Lisa Nee contributed $50,000 of her own funds. Kelly’s campaign received $1 million in loans from companies connected to his business interests.
As the field of 11 declared candidates now prepares for petition submissions and potential signature challenges ahead of the February 23, 2027, mayoral election, fundraising remains a critical factor shaping the competition. Johnson’s fundraising shortfall reflects a campaign strategy centered on grassroots support, while his better-funded opponents have leveraged substantial financial resources from wealthy individuals, unions, and business interests to advance their bids for Chicago’s top office.