John Kelly Launches Campaign for Mayor of Chicago, Pledges to Restore Public Safety, Revitalize the City, and Rebuild Trust in City Hall
CHICAGO, July 29, 2026 (Newswire.com) - Chicago businessman and lobbyist John Kelly today announced his campaign for Mayor of Chicago, pledging to restore public safety, strengthen the Chicago Police Department, improve the CTA, stabilize property taxes, and bring accountability back to City Hall.
Making his first run for public office, Kelly, 53, has spent his career building businesses, creating jobs, and bringing together employers, government leaders, and community stakeholders to solve complex challenges.
"Chicago is still the greatest city in the world, but it has stopped working for the people who love it most," Kelly said. "Residents are afraid to ride the CTA, especially at night. Homeowners dread opening their property tax bills. Parents worry whether schools are preparing their children for the future. Nearly 30 percent of downtown office space sits vacant. I am running for mayor because Chicagoans deserve a leader who will tell the truth about our challenges-and fix them."
Kelly's campaign will focus on four key priorities:
Restoring public safety
Making the CTA safe and reliable
Stabilizing property taxes through economic growth
Strengthening schools to prepare children for lifelong success
Public Safety First
Kelly said restoring safety throughout Chicago will be the cornerstone of his administration.
"I am a Democrat, but crime isn't a partisan issue," Kelly said. "Crime is driving families, businesses, jobs, and investment out of Chicago. Every major challenge facing our city is made worse by crime. The mayor's first responsibility is protecting the people of Chicago. Right now, City Hall has lost sight of that mission."
On his first day in office, Kelly said he will begin restoring the approximately 400 Chicago police officers who once patrolled CTA trains. He also pledged to reduce Mayor Brandon Johnson's 154-member security detail by at least 75 percent, immediately redeploying approximately 100 officers to CTA patrols.
Kelly further committed to hiring 1,000 additional police officers during his first year by filling long-vacant positions and rebuilding the ranks of the Chicago Police Department.
A Different Kind of Candidate
Unlike many of the other candidates in the race who have spent years serving in elected office, Kelly says his experience comes from the private sector-building businesses, creating jobs, and working alongside government and community leaders to deliver results.
"Chicago doesn't need another career politician," Kelly said. "It needs someone focused on solving problems."
"I answer to one group of people-the residents of Chicago," Kelly continued. "Not political organizations. Not special interests. Not the Chicago Teachers Union. Chicago already has everything it needs to become a world-class city again. The problem is that those tools are in the wrong hands."
Listening Tour Across Chicago
Over the coming months, Kelly will visit neighborhoods in all 50 wards, meeting residents in their homes and communities to hear firsthand about the issues that matter most.
"I want to hear directly from Chicagoans," Kelly said. "Tell me what's working. Tell me what's broken. Tell me what City Hall has forgotten. If you invite me into your living room, I'll show up, listen, and earn your trust."
"I love Chicago," Kelly added. "That's why I refuse to accept its continued decline. I believe this city can work for everyone again. That's worth fighting for, and that's why I'm running."
For more information, visit johnkellyforchi.com or watch mayoral candidate John Kelly, "The Problem Solver," on YouTube. For any media inquiries, please contact: Samantha Frontera to sfrontera@exclusivepr.biz or: (847) 703-0529.
Media Contact:
Samantha Frontera
Exclusive Public Relations, LLC
sfrontera@exclusivepr.biz
SOURCE: John Kelly
Source: John Kelly