News & Press Releases

Joe Holberg Calls for Balanced Budget and Safer CTA on CBS News Chicago

"I was a first-generation college student. I was homeless in college. I slept in my car, and I moved to Chicago for a job and opportunity. I was a teacher on the West Side, first and foremost, and then I started a business... I realized the reason I was successful in life is because I just continued to put people first and serve them." Holberg joins CBS News Chicago to discuss his vision for budget reform and CTA safety.

CBS News Chicago

'Just like a regular Joe': Entrepreneur and former math teacher joins WGN's The Point to Talk Affordability with Tahman Bradley

"Affordability is slipping away for too many: people's rents are going up. Their pathways to homeownership are disappearing. Meanwhile the city is mismanaging its finances facing another likely budget deficit this year." Holberg joins WGN's The Point with Political Editor Tahman Bradley to discuss housing and affordability, the budget crisis, and his path to victory in the 2027 mayor's race.

WGN-TV

Joe Holberg: Chicago deserves a safe, clean CTA. Here are five commonsense solutions from a daily rider.

"I ride the CTA every day. Like millions of Chicagoans, I've witnessed screaming commuters, and trash and human waste on floors, seats, and windows." Holberg lays out five commonsense fixes: clean the trains, modernize station gates, install smoke sensors, add data-driven security, and build a rapid-response technology layer.

Streetsblog Chicago

Mayoral Candidate Joe Holberg on Chicago's Budget Gap, Violence Prevention and the Future of CPS

"I've worked in nonprofit, I've worked at large companies and I even started a company and created jobs in Chicago. And I think that fresh perspective and that diversity of experiences will lend itself to being the next mayor." Holberg joins Chicago Tonight on budget reform, CTA safety, CPS, and City Council.

WTTW

Joe Holberg Crosses $1M+ Total and Raises $330,000+ for Mayor of Chicago in Second Quarter of 2026

"Our campaign continues to accelerate and bring in hundreds of new supporters, contributors, and volunteers that are fed up with the political class candidates. With the recent explosion of bandwagon candidates, our campaign is connecting with people who want a problem solver – not another politician."

Joe Holberg: Chicago's lead pipe crisis has a fix. It costs $150 per home.

"We can stop poisoning our children, create jobs, and restore a basic right to every resident in this city for about $60 million in one year instead of $12 billion over 70 years. That is 200 times more affordable and lifetimes faster."

Chicago Tribune

Fintech entrepreneur making outsider bid for Chicago mayor

"I think there are a lot of candidates out there, either declared or speculative — they're hedging," Holberg said. "They're hedging on the people of Chicago, and that leaves me deeply uncomfortable because I believe the people of Chicago deserve somebody that's fully committed to them."

The Daily Line

Joe Holberg: Chicago must buy back its parking meters

"It's time to get the meters back, regain control over our city's infrastructure and invest in ourselves." Holberg outlines how buying back the parking meter lease could turn a fiscal liability into a revenue-generating asset for Chicagoans.

Chicago Tribune

Joe Holberg Raises $310,000+ for Mayor of Chicago in First Quarter of 2026

"The excitement and support for our campaign is driven by frustration with the entrenched political class and a desire for a new, fresh direction for our city. People want a problem-solver – not another politician."

Well-funded potential challengers already circling Mayor Brandon Johnson

"It's because I'm a political outsider, and it's because I'm not tied to the shackles of the establishment that limit people's ability to think critically," Holberg said.

Chicago Tribune

Can-TV Chicago Newsroom 2.0 with Joe Holberg on Running for Mayor of Chicago

Watch Joe discuss his vision for Chicago, why he's running for mayor, and how everyday Chicagoans can make a difference in transforming our city.

Entrepreneur and political newcomer Joe Holberg, who announced in the fall he is running, reports raising more than $500,000 already

Holberg ($500k) outraises Johnson by 33 times ($15k) and Quigley by 2.8 times ($177k).

ABC7 Chicago

Joe Holberg Raises Over $500,000 for Mayor of Chicago in First Fundraising Quarter

"I'm encouraged that there are so many ordinary Chicagoans who are frustrated with the political insiders who are not solving real problems nor making the city better. It's clear people want a fresh perspective from an experienced entrepreneur, educator, and leader—not more of the status quo."

Looking ahead to Chicago's 2027 mayoral election | The Chicago Report

FOX 32's The Chicago Report looks ahead to the 2027 mayoral election and introduces Joe Holberg, the first officially declared candidate for Chicago Mayor.

FOX 32 Chicago

"I just can't wait:" First candidate enters Chicago mayor's race

"This is an opportunity to continue to expand and deepen the commitment to serve other people that I've done my entire life." Joe Holberg believes his status as an outsider will help him succeed where he believes others have fallen short.

WBBM Newsradio

Illinois Playbook: First candidate jumps into 2027 Chicago mayor's race

Politico's Illinois Playbook covers Joe Holberg as the first declared candidate in the 2027 Chicago mayoral race, bringing an outsider perspective to City Hall.

Politico