By: Ashmar Mandou

Over the weekend, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his bid to be Chicago’s next mayor via social media. Giannoulias joined a large roster of candidates hoping to unseat incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has not officially announced he would seek a second term. “I’m running because I love this city. I believe Chicago is the greatest city in America. But I also believe we can no longer accept a city government that asks people to settle for less. Chicagoans deserve a city that works. A city where families can afford to stay. Where neighborhoods feel safe. Where businesses can grow. Where City Hall solves problems instead of creating them,” Giannoulias said.

Giannoulias is in his first term as Secretary of State. Giannoulias was sworn in as Illinois’ 38th Secretary of State in 2023. In his first official act, Giannoulias signed an Executive Ethics Order aimed at increasing transparency, enhancing protections for victims of sexual harassment or threats of violence, and simplifying the public’s ability to report improprieties to the Inspector General’s office. Overseeing more than 4,000 employees and 25 departments, Giannoulias has committed himself to improving road safety, modernizing office operations, and making programs and services accessible for Illinois residents.

Giannoulias has implemented his “Skip-the-Line” program, allowing Illinoisans to make appointments at the state’s busiest DMV facilities, which has reduced wait times, and cross-trained employees to increase efficiencies. To accommodate more on-demand requests for services, the office has deployed more mobile units, created “pop-up” DMVs and established multiple Senior Centers at no cost to the office, specifically designed to assist senior drivers.

“I’ve spent my career proving government can deliver. As Secretary of State, we transformed one of Illinois’ largest and most outdated agencies by cutting wait times, modernizing services, protecting our freedoms, and restoring people’s confidence that government can actually work. Now it’s time to bring that same approach to City Hall. This campaign isn’t about politics. It’s about competence. It’s about results. And it’s about building a Chicago that works for every neighborhood and every family,” said Giannoulias.

As State Librarian, Giannoulias is dedicated to protecting and enhancing public libraries to make learning resources more available. In his first year in office, he championed first-in-the-nation Right-to-Read legislation and increased library grant opportunities. In 2006, Giannoulias was elected Illinois State Treasurer, becoming the youngest State Treasurer in the nation at age 30. Giannoulias pursued a reform agenda that focused on innovative initiatives and policies to curb ethical abuses, create jobs, safely invest taxpayer dollars, and improve the financial futures of residents.

Giannoulias has joined Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas, Attorney Matt Brewer, Entrepreneur Joe Holberg, Entrepreneur Liam Stanton, Healthcare Advisor Lisa Nee, and Entrepreneur John Kelly, who have all formally announced their bid for the Mayoral position.