BREAKING: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has officially announced her candidacy for the 2027 mayoral election in Chicago. Pappas, who has held her position since 1998, confirmed the news during an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times earlier today, declaring she is committed to the race regardless of the current mayor’s plans.
At 76 years old, Pappas is known for her vibrant personality and sharp wit, often donning eye-catching outfits. She has previously considered running for mayor but now states, “I’m in this treasurer’s race, and I’ve got to finish it up. But I said six months ago … that at the appropriate time, I’m going to announce.”
Pappas emphasized her determination to run, irrespective of whether Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks reelection or how many challengers enter the race. “I’m not afraid of anybody or anything or how much money I raise. I’m not afraid, get it? So I’m in,” she asserted.
Her announcement comes amid a critical backdrop: Johnson’s proposed $600 million tax hike plan was recently rejected by the City Council’s Finance Committee. Pappas, however, sidestepped questions on the budget stalemate, stating, “Let him do what he’s got to do. When I get in [the mayor’s office], it’ll be a tsunami.”
If successful, Pappas could celebrate her 80th birthday as Chicago’s mayor. She also joked about her possible role, saying, “Maybe the city needs a … grandmother.”
Pappas’s potential candidacy will likely contribute to a competitive race, which may include prominent figures such as Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, retiring Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and several others. With her strong fundraising capabilities and deep community ties, her entry could reshape the political landscape in Chicago.
In her current role as treasurer, Pappas has been vocal about the challenges facing residents, particularly regarding rising property taxes in Black neighborhoods on the South and West sides. She recently released a study indicating that the tax burden is shifting away from the economically depressed Loop. “When the Loop gets a cold, the rest of the city gets pneumonia,” Pappas said in a statement accompanying her report.
Additionally, Pappas has expressed concerns about her ongoing radio program on WVON-AM, “Black Homes Matter,” where she assists listeners with property tax exemptions. She indicated her desire to maintain this program without jeopardizing her new political ambitions.
As Pappas gears up for her campaign, the political climate in Chicago remains charged, with many awaiting the next moves from both her and the incumbent. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story as the 2027 mayoral race heats up.
Pappas’s announcement is already generating buzz across social media platforms, making it a story to watch as Chicago heads towards a pivotal election.
