Nearly two dozen candidates scrambled to get into the race to become Chicago’s next mayor. Now, some are struggling to stay in it. 

We break down the strange battle to get on the ballot that all campaigns seem to love talking about and update you on who’s in, who’s out, and what the process tells us about the people who want to run Chicago. 

Editing by Al Keefe. Production by Justin Bull. 

Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week’s big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.