By: Ashmar Mandou

A Chicago cardiologist has announced her bid to become the city’s next mayor. Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Lisa Nee, who grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood and graduated from Loyola University, officially launched her campaign this week via her social media platform. Dr. Nee spent years working in health care. She started her career as a nurse before becoming a cardiologist. She also worked as a policy adviser and led medical teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. She intends to run as the “outsider to machine politics,” and fight for working families.

“I’m running because I believe we deserve a city where public service actually serves the public —where affordability is a reality, not a talking point, where you don’t need connections to get basic things done, and where honesty isn’t treated like a liability. As a cardiologist, I’ve watched families struggle to afford the care that keeps them alive. As a mother, I think about the city our kids are inheriting — and whether we’re being honest about it. As an executive, I’ve seen how decisions get made behind closed doors, benefitting those already with power, not the greater good. And as a federal whistleblower, I’ve taken the risk of telling the truth when it wasn’t convenient. I’m not running because it’s the next step in my career. I’m running because I’ve spent my life seeing what happens when systems fail people — and I’m done accepting it. This is about dedication and love for the greatest citizens in the greatest city in the world. Chicago, you deserve better. And I’m ready to take it on,” said Dr. Nee in a statement to media.

Dr. Nee joins a crowded race for Chicago Mayor. While Mayor Brandon Johnson has not officially announced his run for second term, several candidates are vying for the top city position. Recently, George Cardenas announced his bid. Cardenas serves on the Cook County Board of Review, which is in charge of overseeing property assessment appeals for taxes. He previously served as an alderman representing parts of the city’s Southwest Side for nearly two decades. He’s said fiscal discipline, public safety and “family stability” the key priorities of his campaign. In addition, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced her bid last month. Mendoza has served as the state’s “chief fiscal control officer” for nearly a decade, during which she was tasked with maintaining the state’s fiscal accounts and the paying of its bills. The Chicago native previously served as a state legislator for a decade and then as Chicago’s city clerk before being elected to comptroller in a special election in late 2016. The next mayoral election will take place in February 2027. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lisa Nee, visit lisaneeforchicago.com

Photo Credit: Dr. Lisa Nee campaign website