In 1861 the Kingdom of Italy continued the previous office, chosen by the City council.

In 1926, the Fascist dictatorship abolished mayors and City councils, replacing them with an authoritarian Podestà chosen by the National Fascist Party.

From 1945 to 1993, the Mayor of Genoa was chosen by the City council.

Since 1993, under provisions of new local administration law, the Mayor of Genoa is chosen by direct election, originally every four then every five years.

The election will take place on a Sunday between 15 April and 15 June 2025.