Two expected candidates - Mayor Brandon Johnson and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias - have not announced their plans. Susana Mendoza visited a restaurant in Little Village to connect with supporters and launch her petition drive. Johnson downplayed questions about the timing of his reelection decision, saying, "I'm able to skip and whistle at the same time. Candidates for the February municipal election can submit petitions beginning Oct. 19, with a deadline of Oct. 26. Mayoral candidates must collect 12,500 valid signatures, though most gather significantly more to withstand potential challenges.