Illinois Democratic Senate nominee?
$1.5M
MAR 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleSecretary of State
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age50 years old (Mar 16, 1976)
GenderMale
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LocationIllinois
BackgroundPolitician
EducationBoston University — B.A. (Economics)
Notable personal detailsAlexander “Alexi” Giannoulias is an American politician serving as the 38th Illinois Secretary of State since January 2023. He previously served as Illinois State Treasurer (2007–2011) and was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Illinois in 2010. He has also worked in finance and business and has taught as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
As a candidate and former Illinois Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias has previously proposed targeted tax cuts and credits (including payroll tax breaks for families and small-business payroll incentives and extending a first-time homebuyer credit) as measures to aid the economy. His public biography emphasizes job creation and pro-investment policies tied to economic opportunity but does not present a program of large-scale wealth redistribution or higher taxes on top earners in the cited sources.
Healthcare
Supports creating a public health insurance option available on an exchange and backs policies to expand access to coverage and programs like paid family leave at the state level.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supports policies that expand access to state services for immigrants (including improving driver’s license issuance for immigrant motorists) and has taken actions defending state residents from federal immigration enforcement practices he views as unlawful. He has used his office to push legislation to replace temporary immigrant driver licenses with multi-year licenses and joined legal action against federal immigration agencies over alleged misconduct in Illinois.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports protecting and preserving legal access to abortion and has pushed policies to safeguard people seeking reproductive health care, including measures to prevent out-of-state surveillance or prosecution. Has led efforts in Illinois to strengthen privacy and access protections for abortion patients and to oppose measures that would criminalize or restrict abortion access.
Climate & Energy
Supports renewable energy standards and incentives for clean energy, including making production and investment tax credits for renewables permanent and a national renewable energy standard; favors higher fuel-efficiency standards and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure. Emphasizes investments in low-pollution transportation and sustainable development as part of broader infrastructure and climate policy.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports measures to restrict semiautomatic/assault-style weapons from city streets and closing background‑check loopholes, while also funding and resourcing law enforcement to reduce gun‑involved crime. Has backed targeted gun‑safety policies alongside investments in police resources and public‑safety programs.
News
Alexi Giannoulias is being discussed as a possible candidate in the 2027 Chicago mayoral race, but he has not yet declared. Recent coverage says he is one of the main potential challengers as Susana Mendoza has already entered the race, and a new poll tested Giannoulias as a possible contender. He is also standing out financially, with reported fundraising far ahead of other possible candidates at $18.3 million. Separate reporting noted that businessman Perry Mandera has given more than $80,000 to Giannoulias since 2022, drawing attention to his donor base.
One potential Chicago mayoral candidate has huge fundraising edge
Ex-strip club owner with ties to reputed mob figures a big campaign donor to Alexi Giannoulias
Chicago mayor facing unfavorable ratings
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Endorsements
Endorsers of Alexi Giannoulias for Illinois Democratic Senate nominee?
Illinois AFL-CIO
Elected official
Illinois AFL-CIO endorsed Alexi Giannoulias for Secretary of State in its 2026 primary election endorsements.
Equality Illinois
Elected official
Equality Illinois endorsed Alexi Giannoulias for Secretary of State in its 2026 primary election endorsements.
Madison County Democrats
Public figure
Madison County Democrats endorsed Alexi Giannoulias among their endorsed Democratic candidates.
IUOE Local 150
Elected official
IUOE Local 150 endorsed Alexi Giannoulias for Secretary of State in its Illinois primary election mailer.
Personal PAC
Political organization
Personal PAC endorsed Alexi Giannoulias in its 2026 primary endorsements.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising