Nico Tsatsoulis is running as a Libertarian for Cook County assessor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Pat Hynes.
Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is seeking the office, Tsatsoulis said, "Assessments are inherently subjective. There is no scientific way to derive objective assessments." He said property taxes "are completely independent of the value of our properties, although most people do not realize that. Tax levies are set by how much money politicians want, not by how much properties are worth."
He added, "The subjective nature of the assessments combined with uncapped tax levies, create our broken system. Property taxes become a zero-sum game. If I pay less, you have to pay more. The corporations and the rich who can afford the property tax lawyers, get their taxes reduced and the working poor and middle class have to pick up the burden."
Candidate information
Party: Libertarian
Occupation and work history: "Real estate manager. I have worked in consulting, finance, retail, wholesale and real estate on three continents."
Education: "AB '88, MBA '89 University of Chicago. My education has contributed to my questioning the status quo and looking for better ways to do things. It has also inspired me to fight power when it is takes unjust stands and works against the interests of the people."
Previous elected or appointed offices: "None"
Family: "My family is watching with awe the unfathomable degree of corruption in local politics."
Experience and public service
According to Libertarian Party records, Tsatsoulis ran as a Libertarian for Cook County assessor in 2022 and for Cook County Board of Review District 3 in 2024.
On the issues
Critical differences with other candidates: Asked what sets him apart, Tsatsoulis said in our questionnaire, "I am the only candidate fighting to cap property taxes and eliminate the corrupting influence of money in this office. I advocate capping property taxes at 1% of a property's purchase value. My opponent believes the current property tax system works perfectly fine and needs no changes."
He added, "Unlike my opponent, I accept zero campaign donations and run a grassroots campaign on a $1,000 budget. My opponent has accepted thousands of dollars from developers and, even worse, from the very property tax lawyers who appeal clients' taxes directly before this office."
Accomplishments: Asked what qualifies him for the job, Tsatsoulis said, "I immigrated to the United States alone at age 19 to pursue my education, going on to become the youngest MBA student in my class at the University of Chicago. Since 2021, I have led the charge to cap property taxes, bringing the precise technical knowledge and innovative ideas required to overhaul this office."
He added, "This is my third time running for office completely independent of the political establishment—accepting zero donations and spending almost nothing. Yet, against all odds, I have earned hundreds of thousands of votes as the ultimate underdog."
Best advice: "Be yourself and do not take no for an answer. Don't give a damn what everyone else thinks. Read the Wall Street Journal and take an accounting class while in college. Never buy a new car."
