Chicago City Wire

Ever since the Watergate scandal in 1972, the phrase "follow the money" has been central to understanding political campaigns. Currently, in Chicago, financial reports are hinting at political challenges for Brandon Johnson, who faces competition from two statewide Democrats, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Johnson, at the midway point of his first term, has raised nearly $300,000 in the first quarter of 2025, bringing his campaign total to around $1.16 million. In comparison, Alexi Giannoulias reported $528,000 for the same period, with a substantial $3.7 million balance, while Susana Mendoza raised $323,000, totaling $1.3 million in available funds. Their financial standing has sparked discussions about the possibility of these candidates challenging Johnson, potentially preventing him from making it to the runoff.

A deeper analysis of Johnson's campaign finances reveals a few discrepancies. For instance, the Illinois Realtors PAC was surprised to see a $25,000 "contribution" listed in Johnson's filings, which they claim they never gave. Additionally, $50,000 of Johnson’s funds stem from advocates of legalizing sweepstakes machines in Chicago.

An ongoing issue in Johnson's campaign is the status of his finance chair, Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, who had promised to resign from the position due to potential conflicts of interest. Despite public declarations, a formal resignation has yet to be filed.

Despite these challenges, both Giannoulias and Mendoza are positioning themselves for potential mayoral runs. Giannoulias boasts strong support from labor unions and diverse donor bases. Conversely, Mendoza is focusing on uniting Hispanic voters and emphasizing her executive experience.

Susana Mendoza is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to Johnson and may become the consensus candidate for those seeking new leadership, with polling suggesting her emergence as a strong contender. However, voters must consolidate around a credible candidate to challenge the incumbent effectively. Amid these political shifts, the advice remains to follow the money, as it signals potential changes in Chicago’s political landscape.