The elections are non-partisan and use a two-round system where the top two finishers compete in a second-round runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the first round.
Sixteen seats changed hands since the previous election, as 12 alderpersons did not run for re-election and 4 additional members resigned during their terms.
Media commentators and analysts have noted this unusually high number of retirements, comparing it to the broader "Great Resignation" phenomenon in the United States workforce.
[10] In 2021, the City Council began debate over new ward map boundaries as part of the redistricting process following the 2020 United States census.
[13] A resident group called Chicago Advisory Redistricting Commission also proposed its own map, but it did not receive support from any member of the council.
[15] Ray Lopez (15th ward) initially launched a campaign for mayor in May 2022,[28] but dropped out and opted to run for re-election to City Council in November.
Three candidates (Don Davis, Alan Sargon "Al" Rasho, and Jasmine Roberson) filed petitions but were removed from the ballot due to insufficient valid signatures.
[22] Local officials Organizations Labor unions Incumbent alderperson Walter Burnett Jr. is running for re-election uncontested.
[34] Runoff Bennett Lawson, chief of staff to incumbent Tom Tunney and former legislative aide, is running uncontested.