CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s mayoral race grew even more competitive Tuesday morning, as another contender announced plans to seek the city’s top office on City Hall’s fifth floor.

Dr. Lisa Nee has become the latest candidate to enter the contest for Chicago mayor.

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Nee is a Chicago-based cardiologist, health care executive and former ICU nurse who gained public attention as a whistleblower at Hines VA Hospital, where she exposed patient mistreatment and serious backlogs.

She formally launched her campaign Tuesday morning, joining an already sizable field that includes at least eight other hopefuls.

The current lineup of challengers includes several prominent political figures, among them U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas, former CHA Chair Matt Brewer, Liam Standon and Joe Holberg. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has also said she intends to run, though she does not plan to officially launch her campaign until after the 2026 election.

Illinois Secretary of State Alex Giannoulias is also believed to be weighing a possible bid.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is expected to pursue a second term, though he has not yet made an official announcement.

Chicago’s first round of voting is scheduled for February 23, 2027.

If a candidate doesn’t get a majority of the vote in the first election, then there’ll be a run-off election set for Tuesday, April 6.