Chicago Mayoral Race Takes Shape Amidst Lobbying Concerns and Potential Conflicts of Interest
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As Chicago looks ahead to the 2027 mayoral election, a potential challenge to incumbent Brandon Johnson is emerging, bringing wiht it a complex web of lobbying ties and questions about conflicts of interest. Longtime lobbyist John Kelly is reportedly building a campaign team, raising over $450,000 in contributions, and positioning himself as a contender, but his extensive client list presents potential ethical challenges should he win office.
johnson’s Existing Entanglements
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s management has already faced scrutiny regarding its relationship with the Chicago Teachers Union, a powerful special interest group with which he has longstanding personal and political connections.This context sets the stage for a campaign season likely to be dominated by discussions of influence and access at City Hall.
Kelly’s Extensive Lobbying Portfolio
Kelly’s lobbying firm, CIRCO, represents a diverse array of clients with significant stakes in city policy. he currently lobbies for All-Circo, inc., a company seeking to expand its footprint at O’Hare Airport, requiring negotiations with the city government for gate space and operations. Kelly also lobbies on behalf of the United Center, home to the Bulls and Blackhawks, as advancement plans around the arena require ongoing city approvals.
furthermore, Kelly represents Bally’s Corp., the operator of Chicago’s frist casino, a project initially approved under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Bally’s has recently resisted efforts to legalize video gambling within the city,a move that has reportedly met with hesitation from Johnson. Records indicate Kelly actively lobbied the mayor’s office and city aldermen for Bally’s throughout 2025. He is also a City Hall lobbyist for the Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP law firm, which has a long history of municipal bond work for the city.
Addressing Potential Conflicts
Kelly has stated his intention to address thes potential conflicts by divesting from All-Circo, Inc., should he be elected.”I would divest myself from my firm,” he said, adding that conversations are underway to ensure a “zero conflict of interest.” He also asserted he wouldn’t feel obligated to favor former clients, stating, “You have to tell a lot of peopel ‘no’ as mayor… is it good for the taxpayers of Chicago?”
A History of Lobbying in Chicago Politics
The situation highlights the pervasive role of lobbyists in Chicago and beyond, often operating in what one analyst described as a “sometimes-seedy underbelly” of government. The 2018 corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan exposed the inner workings of powerful springfield lobbyists, underscoring the potential for undue influence.
Campaign Funding and Key Players
Kelly’s campaign fund has already garnered significant support, with contributions from a diverse range of donors, including former professional athletes such as Richard Dent, Brian Urlacher, Charles Oakley, and AJ Pierzynski. William Singer, chairman of “Citizens for John Kelly,” is a veteran of Chicago politics, having unsuccessfully challenged Mayor Richard J. Daley in 1975. Notably, a law firm connected to former Cook County Assessor Edward Vrdolyak contributed $14,600 to Kelly’s campaign fund on december 31st. Kelly acknowledged a long-standing friendship with one of Vrdolyak’s sons.
Kelly emphasizes his experiance as a lobbyist as a valuable asset, arguing that the skills honed in that role – “educating decision makers and collaborating with people” – are directly transferable to the office of mayor. He also highlighted his understanding of state government funding, a crucial resource for Chicago.
Adding another layer to the political dynamic, Kelly’s wife, Julie, is a conservative social media personality who frequently posts content supportive of President Donald Trump, a potential point of contention given Chicago’s predominantly Democratic electorate. Despite this, Kelly identifies as a Democrat and previously lobbied for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, a close ally of Mayor Johnson.
As the 2027 mayoral race approaches,Chicago voters will be closely scrutinizing the potential conflicts of interest and the ethical considerations surrounding both Johnson and Kelly,ultimately deciding who is best equipped to lead the city forward.
