---
title: A short history of Evanston’s mayoral elections
url: https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/mayor-history/
updated: 2026-10-16
source_policy: every fact carries a numbered source; [n] markers refer to the Sources list
---

[Home](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/) / [Explainers](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/) / A short history of Evanston’s mayor Explainer · Published Fri Oct 16, 2026

# A short history of Evanston’s mayor

More explainers

1. [Why is Evanston electing a mayor in 2027?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/why-special-election/)
2. [Who serves as Evanston’s mayor until the election?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/acting-mayor/)
3. [Will Evanston have a mayoral primary in February 2027?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/february-primary/)
4. [What does Evanston’s mayor do?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/what-does-the-mayor-do/)
5. [What’s the difference between District 65 and District 202?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/d65-vs-d202/)
6. [Can Skokie residents vote in Evanston’s school board elections?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/skokie-voters-school-boards/)
7. [What is the Oakton College board election?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/oakton-college-board/)
8. [How do I vote by mail in Evanston?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/vote-by-mail/)

[All explainers →](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/)

Short answer

The 2027 race follows rules set over decades: a 1992 referendum decides when there is a primary, and the City Council fills the seat in the meantime, as it last did in 1970. [1][2]

- **1970:** Evanston’s last acting mayor, Ald. Peter Jans. [2]
- **1992:** Voters adopt, by referendum, the rule that holds a February primary only when three or more candidates file. [1]
- **2021:** Daniel Biss wins the February primary with about 74% and becomes mayor. [3][4]
- **2023:** The City Council creates the small-donor matching program for mayoral races. [5]
- **2025:** Two candidates run, so there is no primary; 18,911 ballots are cast for mayor and Biss is re-elected to a term through May 2029. [6][1]
- **2026:** Biss’s resignation is effective October 18. [1]
- **2027:** Special election for mayor on Tuesday, April 6. [7]

Related

- [Why is there a special election?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/why-special-election/)
- [The mayor’s race](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/mayor/)

## Sources

1. City of Evanston, City Clerk — 2027 Special Mayoral Election — https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/city_clerks_office/2025_consolidated_elections/index.php
2. Evanston Now — Biss calls Oct. 19 meeting to pick acting mayor — https://evanstonnow.com/biss-calls-oct-19-meeting-to-pick-acting-mayor/
3. Evanston RoundTable — Early results show Biss leading in mayoral race (Feb. 23, 2021) — https://evanstonroundtable.com/2021/02/23/early-result-show-biss-leading-in-mayoral-race/
4. Evanston RoundTable — Biss announces resignation date (June 23, 2026) — https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/06/23/biss-announces-resignation-date/
5. Evanston RoundTable — Evanston OKs small-donor match program for mayoral elections (Sept. 27, 2023) — https://evanstonroundtable.com/2023/09/27/evanston-oks-small-donor-match-program-for-next-mayoral-election/
6. Evanston RoundTable — Mayor Daniel Biss announces reelection campaign (Aug. 27, 2024) — https://evanstonroundtable.com/2024/08/27/mayor-daniel-biss-announces-reelection-campaign/
7. Illinois State Board of Elections — 2027 Election & Campaign Finance Calendar (via Running for Office) — https://www.elections.il.gov/RunningForOffice.aspx?MID=rOlNCTNZd9A%3D