CHICAGO, IL — Chicago mayoral candidate John Kelly would like to welcome Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to the mayor’s race. However, he is asking Giannoulias to explain to Chicagoans his highly unusual and self interested decision to seek two public offices at the same time. Today Giannoulias announced his campaign for Mayor for Chicago in the February 2027 election, without suspending his reelection campaign for Illinois Secretary of State on the November 2026 ballot. Even with Illinois history of corruption and self dealing, few can remember a candidate so brazen to run for state wide office at the same time they run for Mayor.
“Running for mayor of the country’s third largest city, one confronting a number of crises demands full attention.” Kelly said.
“Public office is a full-time responsibility, not a stepping stone. Chicagoans don’t feel safe, their taxes keep rising while the storefronts sit empty. The problems are too real for more political shenanigans and insider deals. Voters deserve candidates who are focused on one job and one mission—not balancing multiple political ambitions.” Kelly added.
Kelly said the mayor’s office requires complete dedication and believes candidates should clearly demonstrate that their priority is serving the people of Chicago.
“If you’re asking Chicagoans to trust you with the future of this city, they should know that your full attention is on earning that trust and leading from day one,” Kelly said. “Running for another office while holding statewide office and seeking re-election to that very same office naturally raises questions about priorities, focus, and commitment. Alexi needs to come clean with the voters”
As a first time candidate for public office, Kelly said that his campaign will focus on how to tackle the tough job of Chicago mayor and reverse the decline of the city. “I entered this race because Chicago needs a change in direction, not more of the same. Alexi must answer the question instead of giving all Chicagoans more of the same. It’s time we demand better from our politicians” Kelly said. “My commitment is to the people of Chicago, and that’s where my attention will remain.”
Kelly reiterated that his campaign will continue to focus on issues important to Chicago families, including safe neighborhoods, reliable transit, stable property taxes and a city that works for everyone.
“Chicago doesn’t need another political calculation,” Kelly concluded. “It needs leadership that is focused on making this city safe, reliable, and accountable.”
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