(CHICAGO) — The re-election bid of Chicago’s progressive mayor faces a critical test Monday, as he faces a potentially historic challenge over an alleged paperwork error that could knock him off the ballot before a single vote is cast.
Mayor Brandon Johnson submitted more than 30,000 petition signatures to appear on the February ballot, well above the 12,500 required, but the campaign of rival Willie Wilson is seeking to disqualify thousands over allegations of photocopied petitions, signatures from non-Chicago voters and other irregularities.
The Chicago Board of Elections will begin hearings on the dispute today. Former State Sen. Rickey Hendon, who is leading the effort, called Johnson’s filing “sloppy” and the worst he’s ever seen. Johnson’s campaign has fired back, calling the petition process “archaic and anti-democratic” and insisting the mayor will survive the challenge. The political fight comes as Johnson faces a crowded field of a dozen challengers, sinking approval ratings, a mounting budget crisis and continued concerns over gun violence.
