Brad Edwards Joined John Kelly Mayoral Campaign
The veteran communications strategist has officially signed on to guide John Kelly through the 2027 Chicago mayoral race.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Elections
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Brad Edwards has accepted the role of chief communications strategist for John Kelly as candidates ramp up staffing for the 2027 Chicago mayoral race. Kelly is among a crowded field of contenders competing to capture public attention and donor support.
Why it matters
Campaigns are rapidly filling key strategic roles to define candidate messaging and public perception ahead of the upcoming municipal election. This staffing shift highlights the escalating professionalization of the race as contenders vie for dominance in a competitive landscape.
Official finance filings show Alexi Giannoulias has raised $22.2 million since the 2023 mayoral runoff, while Brandon Johnson has raised $3.5 million. Meanwhile, John Kelly has raised $2.5 million, Susana Mendoza $2.3 million, and Joe Holberg $1.2 million.
The players
Brad Edwards
He is a communications strategist who has recently taken the role of chief communications strategist for the John Kelly mayoral campaign.
John Kelly
He is a mayoral candidate in the 2027 Chicago election who has raised $2.5 million in funds.
Alexi Giannoulias
He is a Chicago mayoral candidate who has secured $22.2 million in fundraising since the 2023 runoff.
Brandon Johnson
He is a mayoral candidate who has raised $3.5 million and hired Rachel Cohen to manage campaign communications.
Susana Mendoza
She is a Chicago mayoral candidate who has raised $2.3 million to support her 2027 campaign efforts.
The details
Candidates in the 2027 Chicago mayoral race are currently utilizing diverse media strategies, ranging from traditional advertising to social media reels, to build their platforms. The entry of strategists like Edwards indicates a heightened focus on campaign infrastructure as the election cycle intensifies.
Timeline
Fundraising for the mayoral candidates began in 2023.
Brad Edwards joined the John Kelly campaign on October 2, 2026.
Campaign teams will focus on shaping public perception over the next 5 months.
The Chicago mayoral election will take place in 2027.
Political Context
Opposition parties and rival campaigns argue that the focus on high-dollar fundraising and professional messaging maneuvers ignores the daily needs of Chicago residents. Critics frequently contend that these strategic hires prioritize media optics over substantive policy solutions for the city.
The intensifying campaign activity means residents will likely see a surge in political advertising and messaging across traditional and digital media in the coming months. Voters should expect to see these strategic shifts influence how candidates address city-wide issues like affordability and local infrastructure.
The takeaway
The race for the 2027 Chicago mayoralty is already seeing significant capital investment and professional staffing as candidates prepare for a long cycle. Voters can track the viability of these campaigns by monitoring their ability to translate fundraising dollars into effective public messaging.
Further reading
For more on local races, visit the Chicago Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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