Mayor Brandon JohnsonA former Chicago public school (CPS) teacher, union organizer, and Cook County commissioner, Brandon Johnson was elected mayor of Chicago in 2023, narrowly defeating former CPS chief executive Paul Vallas. Most upcoming elections concern the state government, and not Chicago city government at this time, but school board elections are upcoming in November 2026. The Illinois Senate currently has 40 Democratic members and 19 Republican members. How Do I Vote in Chicago and Illinois Elections? Only U.S. citizens can vote in Chicago and Illinois elections.