Ann Rainey Files to Run for Evanston Mayor

The former alderwoman joins a growing field of candidates seeking to serve the remainder of the mayoral term.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Elections

Ann Rainey Files to Run for Evanston Mayor

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Ann Rainey has officially filed petition paperwork to enter the Evanston mayoral race. The 83-year-old former alderwoman joins fellow candidates Stephanie Mendoza, Jeff Boarini, and Jane Grover in the contest.

Why it matters

Candidates are competing to serve the final two years of an unexpired term previously held by former Mayor Daniel Biss. The filing period remains open for additional contenders until the upcoming deadline.

Candidates must secure over 50% of the vote in the February 23 primary to avoid a runoff. If no individual reaches this threshold, the top two candidates will proceed to an April 6 election.

The players

Ann Rainey

An 83-year-old former Evanston alderwoman who represented the 8th Ward for 34 years.

Daniel Biss

The former mayor of Evanston whose unexpired term is currently being contested.

Clare Kelly

The current mayor pro tempore serving the city until Monday night.

The details

Rainey served as an Evanston alderwoman for a total of 34 years across two separate periods spanning 1983 to 2021. Stephanie Mendoza and Jeff Boarini filed their own petitions on Monday, joining a race that requires candidates to complete their paperwork by next week.

October 18, 2026: Ann Rainey filed her petition paperwork.
October 19, 2026: Stephanie Mendoza and Jeff Boarini submitted their forms.
October 26, 2026: The final deadline for candidates to file paperwork.
February 23, 2027: The mayoral primary election occurs.
April 6, 2027: A potential runoff election will take place if necessary.

Political Context

The mayoral primary vote threshold serves as the primary structural hurdle for all candidates in this race. This requirement forces contenders to build broad coalitions to avoid a runoff election against a single opponent.

Residents should prepare for the primary on February 23 to determine which candidates advance to the final stages of the election. The outcome will decide who holds office for the remainder of the current mayoral term.

The takeaway

Voters should track the final filing deadline next week to see the full list of names appearing on the ballot. Staying informed on primary thresholds is essential for understanding how the next mayor will be selected.