Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast on James Comey, ICE Agents, Government shutdown, Gaza Peace Plan, Ukraine and long range missiles, and New York mayoral race Bill Lipinski
  • Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago With Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Civil Rights
  • The Chicago Wolves rallied to defeat  the Iowa Wild 4-3 in overtime Sunday Feb. 25, 2024 at Allstate Arena. The Wild led the game 3 to 0 going in to the 2nd period, but the Wolves rallied and tied in the 3rd period forcing the 5 minute sudden death overtime.
    Wolves broadcasts return to WPWR-TV for 2025 – 26 season Chicago
  • Orland Park Trustee Jim Dodge
    Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location Baby Boomers
  • Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future
    Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future Dads' Rights
  • OFPD Lt. Zachary Zweizig Lt. Dan Ritchie and Lt. Mark Hogan. Photo courtesy of the OFPD
    Orland Firefighters receive awards for battling flooding during Texas deployment Features
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office Chicago
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings: Families deserve a heads-up before major insurance increase Business
Bar Chart of highest spending in mayoral races by candidates in three cities including New York (2005, 2009, 2013), Chicago (2015) and Los Angeles (2013)

Can Mayoral challengers step up to give Emanuel a run for his money?

Posted on May 1, 2018May 1, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Can Mayoral challengers step up to give Emanuel a run for his money?
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Can Mayoral challengers step up to give Emanuel a run for his money?

A new analysis by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform looks at how record spending is making it difficult to challenge incumbents who raise huge campaign war chests in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Can challengers in Chicago really challenge Mayor Emanuel whose last election saw more than $33 million spent, and whose war chest currently is $4.7 million?

With the election still over nine months away, all eyes are focused on who will be elected Chicago’s next Mayor in 2019. Money is already flowing into the race, with incumbent Rahm Emanuel’s campaign reporting $2.8 million in contributions for the month of April. When Willie Wilson wrote himself a check for $100,000, he lifted contribution limits from the race, allowing candidates to take in unlimited amounts of money from any source.

Currently, all candidates combined have just over $5 million in cash on hand for next year’s election. Emanuel has $4.7 million on hand, 18 times more than the combined total of his challengers. While many expect the election in 2019 to be difficult for Emanuel, he currently maintains a significant financial advantage over his opponents.

Garry McCarthy candidate for Chicago Mayor
Garry McCarthy candidate for Chicago Mayor

Emanuel’s top donors this year have included Michael Sacks ($500k), the Chicagoland Operators Union ($250k), the Ironworkers Union ($250k), the LIUNA Union ($250k), and Daniel Tierney ($133k). In addition, the Chicago Carpenters Union, Michael Duchossois, Barry Malkin, the Willy Family, Inc., and Bernard Schwartz have each given $100,000 to Emanuel.

Chicago Businessman Willie Wilson
Chicago Businessman Willie Wilson

Can the Challengers Compete?
Currently, Emanuel’s challengers are struggling to raise any money, let alone match the mayor’s fundraising powerhouse. Emanuel’s nearest fundraising competitor, Garry McCarthy, started the month of April with $91,445, and has only raised $13,500 since. None of McCarthy’s donors have given over $10,000, leaving significant room for growth in his fundraising strategy. Self-funder Willie Wilson could also expand his fundraising pool by developing an outside donor base, as $100,000 from his $116,900 war chest came from his own wallet.

Bridget Gainer, Cook County Commissioner, 10th District
Bridget Gainer, Cook County Commissioner `10th District

Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, who has indicated an interest in running, may be the best positioned to challenge the sitting mayor. Gainer currently has $812,142 in funds available in her campaign account. While the mayor’s $4.7 million still dwarfs Gainer’s money, Cook County Commissioner Chuy Garcia posed a serious challenge to Emanuel in 2015 with significantly less money than Gainer coming into the 2019 race.

Most Expensive Mayoral Races in US History
Totals Include Funds Spent by Candidates and Super PACs

Bar Chart of highest spending in mayoral races by candidates in three cities including New York (2005, 2009, 2013), Chicago (2015) and Los Angeles (2013)
Bar Chart of highest spending in mayoral races by candidates in three cities including New York (2005, 2009, 2013), Chicago (2015) and Los Angeles (2013)

Historical Cost of Mayoral Elections

The 2015 race for Chicago Mayor cost a whopping $38 million, including $3.3 million in spending from Super PACs including Chicago Forward and Chicagoans United for Economic Security PAC. By comparison, Emanuel’s first election in 2011 cost just $19 million, and the 2007 race, the final for the Daley family, cost $7 million.

The 2015 Chicago Mayoral race, costing $38 million, ranks in the top four most expensive mayoral elections in US history. Billionaire Michael Bloomberg took the record for most expensive race with a $119 million election in 2009, following a $109 million race to secure re-election as New York’s Mayor in 2005. Bill de Blasio of New York also saw a $68 million race when he first won election in 2013. Los Angeles, CA has also seen a rise in cost for their Mayoral races, with candidates spending $36 million in 2013.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes - October 3, 2025
  • Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders - October 3, 2025
  • Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield - October 2, 2025
NPV: 28
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Chicago, elections, Government, News, Politics Tags:Bridget Gainer, campaign fundraising, candidates for Chicago mayor, election spending, Garry McCarthy, high cost of elections, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Willie Wilson

Post navigation

Previous Post: New book released, “100 Things to do on Route 66 before You Die”
Next Post: ComEd Readies for Severe Weather Across Northern Illinois

Related Posts

  • District 230 Schools
    Stagg High school Charger receives 1st place in translation competition Culture
  • Congressman Sean Casten
    Sean Casten Releases several Digital campaign Ads on Reproductive Rights and healthcare elections
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady (right) with Christina Ruth Dion, Osco Pharmacist and Coordinator of the Jewel Osco-Orland Township vaccine event and Mike Murphy, Head Dean at Andrew High School. Photo courtesy of Orland Township
    Orland Township partners with Jewel-Osco to provide vaccines for Seniors Baby Boomers
  • IRS warns public about scammers. How to report telephone scams. Photo courtesy of the iRS
    US Justice Department convicts Indian-based IRS scammer Business
  • 14th Illinois Congressional District Candidate Lauren Underwood. Photo By: R. Dione Foto (www.rdionefoto.com)
    Democrat Underwood features new Ads in Illinois 14th Congressional District race elections
  • The outdoor patio at 94 West Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Orland Park is one of thousands of restaurants that will benefit from Gov. Pritzker's new plan to allow outdoor food service
    Gov. Pritzker authorizes restaurants to operate open air seating beginning May 29 Business

More Related Articles

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart talks with volunteers during a cleanup of the Deer Creek River in Ford Heights Village Friday Nov. 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of Sheriff Tom Dart Sheriff Dart and Friends of the Chicago River Join Forces to Cook County
Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team report Government
RTA Pace Bus No 2682 Photo courtesy Wikipedia RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard to Receive North American APTA Award News
Cicero Chaplain Ismail Vargas returned from Puerto Rico after volunteering for more than a week to help people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Maria. Photo courtesy of Ismail Vargas Cicero Chaplain returns after volunteering to help residents in Puerto Rico National
Chicago Native Protects U.S. Navy Forces in the Middle East News
Harold Washington in a radio studio at WLUP with host Ray Hanania (far right) and Tribune reporter Thom Shanker (center). Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Rename Navy Pier after Jane Byrne Opinion

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes
    October 3, 2025
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders
    October 3, 2025
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield
    October 2, 2025
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child
    October 1, 2025
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park
    September 30, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme