Logan and Smith Join Evanston Mayoral Race
The two candidates filed their official petitions ahead of the city's special mayoral election deadline.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you prefer a mayoral candidate with long-term local neighborhood leadership or professional consulting experience?
Gilo Logan and Jeff Smith officially entered the race for Evanston mayor by submitting their candidate petitions on October 26, 2026. Their filings met the city's deadline for the upcoming special election.
Why it matters
The candidates are vying for the seat currently held by Mayor Daniel Biss. Filing these petitions secures their place in an expanding field of contenders for the city's top executive role.
The mayoral field now includes six confirmed candidates, with a 50% vote threshold required in the primary to avoid a runoff election.
The players
Gilo Logan
He is a diversity consultant and author who has entered the Evanston mayoral race.
Jeff Smith
He is a perennial candidate who previously ran for the office in 2017.
Daniel Biss
He is the current mayor of Evanston whose seat is the subject of the upcoming special election.
Elliot Oats
He is a prospective candidate who formed a committee but ultimately declined to file for the election.
The details
Logan, a diversity consultant and author, and Smith, who previously placed fourth in the 2017 mayoral primary, join a field that already includes Ann Rainey, Jane Grover, Stephanie Mendoza, and Jeff Boarini. Meanwhile, Elliot Oats, who had formed a committee, decided not to file petitions to run.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Logan and Smith filed their candidate petitions.
February 23, 2027: The city is expected to hold the primary election.
April 6, 2027: A runoff election is scheduled if no candidate secures a majority.
Political Context
The entry of these candidates follows the established protocols of the Evanston City Charter election provisions. These rules dictate the petition process and the threshold for triggering a runoff election.
Residents should prepare for an upcoming primary on February 23, 2027, which will narrow the field of six candidates. If no individual secures at least 50% of the vote, voters will return to the polls on April 6, 2027, for a runoff.
The takeaway
With six candidates now officially in the race, the primary election will be a critical step for voters to evaluate different visions for the city. Residents are encouraged to review candidate platforms as the February primary approaches.
Further reading
For more information on municipal leadership, visit City Hall.
Live Poll
Do you prefer a mayoral candidate with long-term local neighborhood leadership or professional consulting experience?
