The “Underdog” for Chicago’s 2027 Mayoral Election: Liam Stanton

A young Chicagoan high-fives Liam Stanton during his kick-off event Feb. 23. (Grace Kelly)

Liam Stanton officially kicked off his campaign for mayor of Chicago at the Irish American Heritage Center on Feb. 22, presenting himself as a family-focused, relatable candidate with neighborhood values, as well as a challenge to the city’s long-standing political establishments. 

With the Chicago mayoral election set for Feb. 23, 2027 — exactly one year and a day after his announcement — Stanton made it clear he intends to run an energetic campaign centered around growth, affordability, and safety.  

Being the youngest of eight children, Stanton integrated his family story throughout his message.

“I’m running because I believe this city should be a place where every person, in every neighborhood, can put down roots and build a good life,” he said. 

That belief he holds, as he explained, is grown from his family values.  

Stanton spoke about his mother, drawing direct attention between her life and his candidacy. He said his mother’s life of quiet service, compassion, and strength shaped not only his decision to run, but his character as a whole. He had promised to follow her example by lifting others up and caring for every community.   

“But my mom was also tough, and she was stubborn, and she passed it on to me,” Stanton said. 

Stanton’s father was described with admiration as well. His father believed that hard work creates opportunity, arguing that Chicago promises a good life through hard work. This is now slipping away as the city becomes more expensive and unstable, Stanton said.  

Throughout the event, Stanton mixed humor with a directed line pointing at criticism towards the city’s leadership. He framed this election as a climax, a turning point.

“This election gives us a clear choice,” said Stanton. “We can keep managing decline, drifting into a cycle where stagnation leads to higher taxes, fewer opportunities, and more families leaving, or we can hit the gas and get Chicago moving forward again. Chicago deserves new leadership in a new direction.” 

Stanton is centering on three priorities.

“We want to make sure we’re growing,” he said. “The city’s not growing right now, and that’s really problematic. We want to make sure it’s affordable, especially for families. They need to be able to afford to live here. We want to make sure it’s safe.” 

He tied his platform to his family history, specifically his grandfather’s immigration story. Stanton said he wants to restore affordability so that current families can achieve the same chances his grandfather once did.

Stanton emphasized his experiences in both business leadership and fatherhood. He frequently brought the conversation back to the fundamental responsibilities of government.

“Above all, remembering what city government is actually supposed to do,” said Stanton. “Make our lives better by delivering the basics, safe streets, reliable transit, streets that are plowed, potholes that get fixed. Common sense stuff that has become uncommon.” 

Stanton’s campaign promises resonated with Lukas Hernandez, a junior at Elmhurst University.

“I feel that Liam Stanton is a good pick for mayor because his focus is on the good of the people of Chicago and making sure THEY are safe,” said Hernandez. “It’s always nice to see a leader prioritize the people he’s serving instead of just himself. If Stanton succeeds, he will be able to give Chicago the push that they need in order to become a cleaner, safer, and more livable environment for families.”

Stanton said families need a break from constant tax increases, as well as needing reliable city service and leaders focused on delivering results more than advancing their own political reputation.

“And I believe we can build a city that works for every Chicagoan in every neighborhood,” Stanton concluded. “If you still believe in Chicago like I do, let’s hit the gas and get to work. I’ll be the underdog in this race. And that’s okay.”