2026 Illinois Progressive
Primary Voter Guide

Lt. Governor of Illinois since 2019, serving under Gov. JB Pritzker. Former Cook County Circuit Court judge and state legislator. First Black woman to hold statewide office in Illinois. Progressive-wing candidate; Gov. Pritzker is her primary backer, launching an affiliated super PAC with $5M+ in Pritzker family money.

• Medicare for All
• Abolish ICE outright
• $25/hour federal minimum wage
• Tax millionaires and billionaires; expand EITC
• Birth Equity Initiative; reproductive rights; gun safety
• John Lewis Voting Rights Act
• Pledged no corporate PAC money (but affiliated PAC received corporate funds)

1. JB Pritzker — $5M to IL Future PAC + $3,500 direct
2. Jennifer Pritzker — $1.1M to IL Future PAC
3. Jerry Reinsdorf (White Sox/Bulls) — Known Republican donor ⭐
4. CoreCivic (private prison/ICE contractor) — $135K+ to affiliated PAC ⭐
5. PNS Management / Niranjan Shah — $20K to PAC; Blagojevich scandal-linked
6. Not individually itemized in press

Gov. JB Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, IL House Speaker Welch, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, IL Federation of Teachers

U.S. Representative for Illinois' 2nd Congressional District since 2013 (Chicago South Side and south suburbs). Former IL state legislator and Cook County chief of staff. Gun control champion — founded the congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. Ran as IL Democratic Party chair until Gov. Pritzker pushed her out in 2022. Running on a strongly progressive, anti-AIPAC platform.

• Medicare for All
• Abolish ICE and dismantle DHS
• Tax billionaires
• Raise min wage to $17/hr
• Cap childcare costs
• Strengthen Social Security
• Called Israel's actions in Gaza "genocide" (only frontrunner to do so)
• Pledged to reject AIPAC money; filed impeachment articles against DHS Sec. Noem
• John Lewis Voting Rights Act
• Codify DOJ independence

1. Congressional Black Caucus PAC
2. BradyPAC (gun safety)
3. Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) — Individual contributor/endorser
4. Sen. Chris Murphy (CT) — Individual contributor/endorser
5. Not individually itemized in press

U.S. Representative for Illinois' 8th Congressional District (northwest suburbs) since 2017. Second-generation Indian-American; immigrated from India as an infant. IIT Delhi–educated engineer; Northwestern Law grad; former deputy state treasurer. Known as a China hawk and for bipartisan work on the House Intelligence and Oversight committees. Dominant fundraiser — raised $30.5M, far exceeding all rivals — largely from corporate and tech-sector donors, which has become the defining controversy of his campaign.

• Expand healthcare affordability (not Medicare for All)
• Abolish "Trump's ICE" through reform (not outright abolition)
• Raise minimum wage to $17/hr
• First-time homebuyer tax credits; free school lunch
• Block corporate mergers; congressional stock trading ban; term limits
• Two-state solution on Gaza; refuses to apply "genocide" label; China hawk

1. Kirkland & Ellis attorneys (aggregate) — ~$1.4M career total
2. Sanford Perl (Kirkland & Ellis) — $9,700; gave $142,500 to RNC ⭐
3. Shyam Sankar (Palantir CTO) — $29,300 — later returned; ICE contractor ⭐
4. Marc Andreessen — Trump adviser ⭐
5. Michael Pillsbury (Heritage Foundation) — $5K; Project 2025-linked ⭐
6. Brij Sharma (Republican Hindu Coalition) — $6,500+ ⭐
7. Trump/MAGA donors (aggregate) — $90K+ total confirmed ⭐
8. Corporate PACs (aggregate) — $120K+: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Union Pacific, NextEra, T-Mobile, Booz Allen Hamilton ⭐
9. Niranjan Shah / PNS Management — Blagojevich scandal-linked
10. Real estate / tech industry professionals — Not individually itemized

Working-class progressive. Platform centered on working families and labor rights.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — no named major donors itemized in press; small-dollar grassroots base

Self-funded business owner. Center-left policy stances. No major controversies.

1. Steve Botsford Jr. (self) — majority of fundraising is a personal loan/contribution
2. ⚠ Named outside donors not itemized in press

Anti-war, progressive platform. Minimal fundraising. No major controversies identified.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal FEC filings; no named donors in press

Activist and attorney. Minimal fundraising. No major controversies identified.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal FEC filings; no named donors in press

Nonprofit executive. Minimal fundraising. Daughter-in-law of former Rep. Cheri Bustos, who is not supporting her amid an ongoing divorce proceeding.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal FEC filings; no named donors in press

Deacon and nonprofit leader with Feeding America. Minimal fundraising. No major controversies identified.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal FEC filings; no named donors in press

Former school social worker. Chair, Senate Progressive Caucus. No professional financial background (cited as main opponent attack).

• Digital advertising tax; graduated income tax constitutional amendment
• Close corporate loopholes
• Use procurement power against ICE/DHS/CBP vendors
• Prioritize payments protecting vulnerable populations
• Prevailing Wage Officer and Labor Law Compliance Liaison
• Support minority/women-owned small businesses
• Keep comptroller and treasurer offices separate

Sen. Bernie Sanders · Senate President Harmon · Rep. Delia Ramirez · Chicago Teachers Union · SEIU · IL Federation of Teachers · Chuy Garcia

1. IL Senate Democratic Fund / Senate Pres. Harmon — $50,000+ aggregate
2. Rep. Delia Ramirez — $50,000+
3. SEIU PAC — "Tens of thousands"
4. IL Federation of Teachers PAC
5. Chicago Teachers Union PAC
6. Other union PACs and progressive individual donors — Not individually itemized

First woman elected Lake County Treasurer. First Korean-American woman elected in Illinois. Office processes $3.2B+ in payments/year; generated $23M+ in investment income FY2023.

• Experience-first platform; maintain/improve state credit rating (upgraded 10x under Mendoza)
• Graduated income tax; phase out paper checks; digital signatures, cybersecurity upgrades
• Expand prevailing wage enforcement
• Keep comptroller and treasurer offices separate

Comptroller Susana Mendoza · Rep. Brad Schneider · Personal PAC · Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss

1. Personal PAC (reproductive rights org.)
2. Rep. Brad Schneider PAC
3. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
4. Various unions and local officials — Not individually itemized

Longest-tenured legislator in the race. Marine Corps veteran. Former registered financial advisor. Master's in Public Administration with Government Finance minor.

• Expand Prevailing Wage Division into full "Labor Division" with pre-payment audits
• Increase state reserves to $5B+
• Cut corporate-benefiting spending
• Graduated income tax; modernize office technology
• Executive order prohibiting AI/automation from eliminating positions
• Open to combining comptroller and treasurer offices if sufficient safeguards exist

United Steelworkers District 7 · Multiple labor unions · Veterans groups · Suburban Democrats

1. United Steelworkers District 7 PAC — Major labor endorser/contributor
2. Own legislative campaign fund transfer — ~$72,000
3. Various labor unions and veterans groups — Not individually itemized

Former Deputy Chief of Staff, IL Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Former Pritzker campaign staffer and transition team member. Board member of Pritzker's Think Big America 501(c)(4). Cook County Democratic Party Central Committeewoman.

• Fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets
• Modernize office software for end-to-end spending transparency
• Expand rainy day reserves; consider refinancing state pension debt
• Graduated income tax
• Keep comptroller and treasurer offices separate

Gov. JB Pritzker · House Speaker Chris Welch · Cook County Democratic Party · 30+ state House Democrats · Chicago Tribune Editorial Board

1. Gov. JB Pritzker — $72,800 max contribution (Feb. 2026)
2. Michael & Cari Sacks — Democratic megadonors; Michael Sacks = CEO of GCM Grosvenor
3. Enova International — ~$14,000; payday lender accused of 100–300% APR loans ⭐
4. Cook County Democratic Party
5. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
6. Rep. Nikki Budzinski
7. Former Rep. Cheri Bustos
8. Various trade unions and banks — Not individually itemized

• Medicare for All; housing as a human right
• Raise federal minimum wage
• Green New Deal
• Comprehensive gun reform; gun manufacturer accountability
• DACA path to citizenship; eliminate student loan debt
• Strongly anti-AIPAC (AIPAC spent ~$500K against her in 2024)
• "Fair wages, clean air and water, economy that centers people over profit"

1. Small-dollar progressive grassroots donors — No named major institutional donors identified in press

2020: 14% | 2022: 46% (2nd place) | 2024: 19% (3rd place)

• Medicare for All with focus on Black maternal health outcomes
• Universal childcare; federal jobs guarantee
• Anti-gun violence (personal losses to gun violence)
• Strongly anti-AIPAC: "The 7th District is not for sale. My community is not for sale."
• Push Democratic Party in a more progressive direction

1. SEIU Illinois State Council (affiliated) — His union; primary organizational backer
2. Not individually itemized in press

• Universal healthcare (path toward Medicare for All)
• Large-scale federal investment in affordable/public housing
• Federal assault weapons ban; universal background checks
• Student debt forgiveness; federal rental assistance and eviction protections
• Clean energy investment; comprehensive immigration reform
• Signature issue: 30-year life expectancy gap between Englewood and Streeterville
• No corporate PAC money pledge

1. Martin Nesbitt — Co-CEO of Vistria Group; Obama bundler
2. William Daley — Former Commerce Secretary and Obama Chief of Staff
3. Diana Rauner — $1,000 — wife of former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner ⭐
4. John Legend (singer) — $5,000 aggregate
5. Leadership Greater Chicago alumni network
6. J Street PAC — Progressive pro-Israel PAC; endorsed Fisher
7. 314 Action — Pro-science PAC; endorser/donor
8. Not individually itemized in press

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · 314 Action · J Street PAC

• Expand/defend ACA
• Lower prescription drug costs; community health centers
• Protect Social Security and Medicare
• Lower taxes on working families/small businesses
• Affordable housing; humane immigration reform
• Voted for IL Digital Assets and Consumer Protection Act (regulating crypto)
• Supports supervised drug-use sites to reduce overdoses; hemp/THC product regulation

1. Illinois AFL-CIO / Labor unions
2. Chicago Teachers Union
3. SEIU
4. IL Federation of Teachers
5. AFSCME
6. 33+ IL House and Senate members — Individual endorsers/contributors
7. IL House Speaker Chris Welch
8. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford
9. West Side mayors and suburban officials

• Expand homeownership pathways; grow small businesses; manufacturing jobs
• Wealth tax on billionaires; close loopholes
• Lower healthcare costs
• Support apprenticeships and fair wages
• Fund violence-prevention programs
• Protect Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP from Trump cuts
• Has not staked out hard left positions on Israel/Gaza

1. ⭐ United Democracy Project (AIPAC super PAC) — $1.5M–$2.8M in independent TV ads supporting her ⭐
2. Chicago Teachers Union PAC — $72,800 to her Democratic committeeman fund
3. Firefighters Local 2 — Endorser/contributor
4. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot
5. Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia
6. Not individually itemized in press

• Lower cost of living
• Expand affordable housing; eliminate food deserts
• Lower prescription drug costs; federal assault weapons ban
• Increase violence prevention programs
• Crack down on corruption
• Create union manufacturing jobs; multi-faceted approach to public safety
• Supported repeal of Cook County soda tax in 2017

1. Self (Richard Boykin) — $192,351 personal contribution in Q4 2025
2. Willie Wilson — Repeat Chicago mayoral candidate, $3,500
3. Anan Abu-Taleb — Former Oak Park Village president, $1,000
4. James Taglia — Oak Park trustee, $500
5. Italian American Police Association — Endorser/donor (law enforcement org.) ⭐
6. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas — Individual endorsement
7. Not individually itemized in press

Willie Wilson · Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

• Jobs and trade school investment; pro-union
• Improve education funding
• Constituent services-focused; affordable housing and infrastructure
• Bring federal dollars back to Chicago
• Signed letter condemning Chicago's Gaza cease-fire resolution
• Has not championed Medicare for All or other progressive flagship policies

1. Finance, real estate & law professionals — 61% of all donors, ~$1.1M aggregate
2. Craig Duchossois — Chicago businessman/philanthropist
3. Mario Tricoci — Hair salon/spa mogul
4. Rich & Martha Melman — Lettuce Entertain You restaurateur
5. 29+ AIPAC-linked donors — ~$140,000 aggregate via pro-Israel donor network ⭐
6. Restaurant/hospitality sector — Six-figure aggregate
7. Healthcare sector — Six-figure aggregate
8. Senior housing/nursing home interests — ~$128,000
9. Not individually named in press

• Medicare for All; publicly owned grocery stores
• Ban landlord algorithmic rent-setting; abolish ICE
• Prohibit U.S. weapons sales to Israel; recognize Palestine
• Make first $50K of income tax-free; tax millionaires/billionaires
• Term limits for Congress; impeach Trump
• Fight AI data centers
• Codify abortion rights

1. Self-loan — $25,000
2. Small-dollar progressive donors — No named major donors in press

• Medicare for All; federal medical debt forgiveness
• Extend CTA Blue Line westward; major I-290 corridor public works
• Universal preschool; clean energy; school broadband
• Reform ICE
• Expand citizenship pathways; student loan forgiveness

Mayors of Melrose Park, River Forest, Westchester, Hillside, North Riverside + 17 Proviso Township officials

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — no named major donors itemized in press; mostly small-dollar municipal network

• Medicare for All; full medical debt forgiveness
• Raise minimum wage to ~$30/hour; reparations with direct cash payments
• Abolish ICE; support DACA
• Support small businesses over corporations
• Strongly anti-AIPAC ("disgraceful," "insidious")

1. Anabel Mendoza (self-loan) — $13,450
2. ⚠ Named outside donors not itemized in press beyond self-loan

• H.E.A.L. Act: universal healthcare, free public education from childcare through trade school
• Living wage with small business tax credits; expanded government access
• Block ICE detention funding via appropriations riders in first 100 days

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal FEC filings; no named donors in press

• Anti-corruption as signature issue
• Expand Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (signature housing policy)
• Medicare access expansion; healthcare reform

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal FEC filings; no named donors in press

• Created "Vote Our Way" app — constituents vote on legislation bill-by-bill and he follows results
• Core pitch: "It's not my job to come up with the agenda. It's the people's job to tell me."
• Supports universal healthcare coverage

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal to no FEC filings reported

• Medicare for All; abolish ICE
• Pretrial Fairness Act author (ended cash bail in IL)
• Raise minimum wage; fund violence-prevention and safety-net hospitals
• Workers' rights (child labor and temp worker protections)
• Anti-AIPAC; calls Gaza situation genocide; no corporate PAC money

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Cory Booker · David Hogg (Leaders We Deserve PAC — first endorsement of 2026 cycle) · Progressive organizations and labor groups

• Expand access to healthcare (favors ACA expansion; has waffled on Medicare for All)
• Lower cost of living; affordable housing including third Chicago airport (Peotone focus shared with Jackson)
• Expand trade and union apprenticeships; violence prevention; women's health and reproductive rights. Generally moderate, center-left positioning.

1. ⭐ AIPAC/pro-Israel network — at least $875K from donors who gave to AIPAC or United Democracy Project since 2023; super PAC "Affordable Chicago Now!" and "Elect Chicago Women" running coordinated outside ads in her favor
2. ⭐ Multiple out-of-state Trump-aligned donors (per Peters campaign FEC analysis)

• Third Chicago airport at Peotone (signature "unfinished work")
• Expand/evolve ACA (add dental, vision, hearing coverage — not Medicare for All)
• Address maternal care crisis; mental health investment
• Constitutional amendments for voting rights, healthcare, education, full employment
• Easing pardons for ex-offenders; "Trump-proof" the Constitution

Former Rep. Bobby Rush (major endorsement, called him "most qualified")

• Jobs, trade schools, and workforce development for the Southland
• Support local farmers; world-class neighborhoods on the South Side
• Third Chicago airport supporter
• Self-described "most bipartisan state senator in Illinois"

1. Construction industry network — Preston owns a construction firm; labor-adjacent donor base likely but specific donors not itemized in press
2. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press — raised five-figure sums, significantly behind Peters/Miller

• Environmental justice; clean water; safe streets; affordable healthcare; living wage jobs; strong public schools. Grassroots roots in the district.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — five-figure fundraising; specific donors not itemized in press

• Securing federal funding for local governments and nonprofits (signature experience)
• Constituent services and funding delivery as core legislative focus
• Broadly progressive policy positions

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — lower-tier fundraiser; no named donors in press

• Raise corporate tax rates; billionaire wealth tax
• Reduce military spending; repeal federal death penalty
• Police accountability; abolish forced prison labor
• AI regulation

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — lower-tier fundraiser; no named donors in press

• Limited public information available — attorney background

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal public profile; no named donors in press

Did not respond to Sun-Times/WBEZ questionnaire. Minimal public information available.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — no FEC filings or press coverage of donors

Previously ran for IL Secretary of State in 2022. Did not respond to Sun-Times/WBEZ questionnaire.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — no named donors in press

Minimal public information available. Lower-tier candidate in this race.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — no FEC filings or press coverage of donors

• Medicare for All; abolish ICE
• Fix affordable housing crisis; make billionaires pay their fair share
• Anti-corporate PAC (no corporate money); fight authoritarianism
• Pro-Palestinian rights; calls Gaza situation genocide; strongly anti-AIPAC
• No individual stocks pledge; generational change platform

Justice Democrats · Rep. Ro Khanna · Former Rep. Jamaal Bowman · Peace, Accountability, and Leadership PAC (pro-Palestine national PAC)

17% in RoundTable/PPP poll (Feb. 20–21), narrowing gap with Biss in March poll. 2nd in fundraising lead suggests strong organizing capacity.

• Abolish ICE
• Medicare for All; boost federal affordable housing funding
• Expand Social Security benefits
• Ban stock trading by members of Congress (signed pledge; holds no individual stocks)
• Stricter carbon efficiency standards; preserve abortion access
• Anti-Trump immigration enforcement

1. Individual donors — 75%+ from Illinois (highest in-state ratio of any top candidate); 80%+ of total since launch
2. 314 Action Fund (STEM/science PAC) — ~$300K+ outside spending; primary outside backer
3. Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC — outside spending
4. Medicare for All PAC — outside spending
5. J Street Action Fund — ~$98K outside spending (explicitly to counter AIPAC ECW spending for Fine)
6. Total aligned outside spending: ~$1M+ combined (all disclosed progressive PACs)

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (retiring incumbent) · Illinois AFL-CIO · Multiple state legislators · Evanston Democratic establishment

Leads in multiple polls: 24% (RoundTable/PPP, Feb 20–21); led in internal Biss poll at 31%. Highest name recognition and net favorability (+28) in the field. Latest poll shows Abughazaleh narrowing gap.

• Medicare for All (nominally supports)
• Protect consumers from special interests
• Raise federal minimum wage; federal assault weapons ban
• Mental health services expansion; fought insurance industry and corporate polluters
• Personal stake: took on insurance industry after husband's serious car crash

1. AIPAC donor network — 984 donors (67% of her individual donors) have also given to AIPAC or UDP; 849 (86%) from outside Illinois; AIPAC-linked donors account for 73% of her $1.9M in total receipts ⭐
2. Trump donors (aggregate) — Biss campaign confirmed ~$60,000 from donors who also gave to Trump ⭐
3. AIPAC board President Michael Tuchin — hosted a personal fundraiser on her behalf ⭐
4. "Elect Chicago Women" super PAC — $5.1M+ outside spending (AIPAC-linked dark money; donors not disclosed until Mar. 20) ⭐
5. "Elect Democratic Women" super PAC — ~$500K in TV ads (undisclosed donors)
6. "Chicago Progressive Partnership" PAC — $165,000 in attack ads targeting Abughazaleh (same vendors as Elect Chicago Women; suspected AIPAC shell) ⭐

16% in RoundTable/PPP poll (Feb. 20–21). Fell behind Abughazaleh in more recent March poll. Internal Fine poll (Jan.) showed her tied with Biss at 21%.

• Progressive policy platform
• Equity, community investment, and opportunity
• Rejected AIPAC and all corporate, charter school, fossil fuel, prison, and pharma PACs
• Led challenge to Fine at forums over AIPAC-linked donors and Trump-donating donors

1. Small-dollar grassroots donors — campaign explicitly rejected all corporate/special interest money
2. No large institutional PAC donors; no AIPAC-linked donors

• Medicare for All; abolish ICE
• Increase path to citizenship
• Establish anti-war federal policy
• Increase federal education funding
• "Bushra Blueprint." Has attended Broadview ICE protests. If elected, would be one of the youngest members of Congress and first Muslim woman from Illinois.

1. Grassroots donor base — campaign highlights strong in-district donor base; no large corporate or AIPAC-linked institutional donors itemized in press
2. Muslim/progressive donor network — national Muslim and progressive community support given her platform and background

• Gun safety as signature issue (personal survivor of Laurie Dann school shooting at age 10); public safety reform; national security experience. Endorsed by Bruce Leon after Leon dropped out.

1. Phil Andrew (self-loan) — $400,000 personal loan to campaign
2. Bruce Leon (Chicago 50th Ward Democratic Committeeman, dropped out of race and endorsed Andrew) — previously self-loaned $800,000 to his own dropped campaign; after endorsing Andrew, backed "Leading Democracy Inc." PAC for him ⭐ (Leon is a pro-Israel Democrat; his $800K self-fund was the largest self-loan in the race before he dropped out)
3. "Leading Democracy Inc." super PAC — ~$262,500 outside spending; created Feb. 2026; funded by Leon family member William Andrew (Middletown, Ohio, $100K) + six Wilmette residents

• Reduce property tax burdens
• Protect Medicare access; ease public transportation expenses; housing affordability

1. Hoan Huynh (self-loan) — $200,000 personal loan to campaign
2. Progressive grassroots donors — remainder of fundraising base; no large corporate or AIPAC-linked institutional donors identified in press

• Revenue-neutral income and child care bill as signature proposal
• Met with AIPAC but did not receive support after declining to commit to unconditional U.S. aid to Israel

1. Jeff Cohen (self-loan) — $500,000 personal loan (largest self-loan in race among active candidates at year end)
2. Individual donors — primarily Evanston-area residents; no large outside PAC donors

Halted his campaign but has not formally withdrawn from the ballot. Will still appear on March 17. Civil rights, disability rights, human rights focus. Deaf himself.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — campaign halted before significant filings

Military veteran; limited public policy platform information.

1. Sam Polan (self-loan) — significant personal loan per FEC debt disclosures
2. Small-dollar donors — no large institutional donors identified in press

Federal prosecution background. Limited public platform beyond rule-of-law focus.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — minimal FEC filings reported in press

Minimal campaign profile. Evanston-based candidate.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — did not file FEC reports at significant threshold

Environmental and public health focus; union organizing background.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — no significant FEC filings reported in press

Did not file with FEC as of Dec. 9, 2025. Deep Evanston roots.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — did not file with FEC

Minimal public information. Did not file with FEC as of Dec. 9, 2025.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — did not file with FEC

Grew up in Little Village; parents born in Mexico; attended Chicago Public Schools. Before Congress, was VP of Programs & Operations at the Latino Center for Leadership Development and Deputy Director of Constituency Services at NALEO Educational Fund, training Latino policymakers. Became García's District Director on his first day in office in January 2019; promoted to Chief of Staff in January 2023. No prior elected experience.

• Dismantle the deportation machine
• Pathway to citizenship for immigrants
• Lower cost of living; relief for working families on rent, food, and utilities
• Hold billionaires accountable
• Continue Chuy García's progressive legacy. Experience: transportation, infrastructure, and education policy. Endorsed by Chuy García: "no training required."

1. Rep. Chuy García’s political network — institutional backing; ~50% of contributions from a committee transfer per Capitol Fax
2. Progressive Latino organizations and community donors
3. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press; majority of early fundraising from committee transfers

Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García (retiring incumbent, handpicked successor) · Rep. Delia Ramírez · Our Revolution

Will not appear on March 17 primary ballot — must gather at least 10,816 valid petition signatures to qualify for the November general election. Called the Patty Garcia arrangement an "anti-democratic back room deal." If he qualifies, will run as an independent in November against guaranteed Democratic nominee Patty Garcia and Republican Lupe Castillo. Given D+17 district, a three-way race between two progressive Democrats and a Republican could be highly competitive.

• Medicare for All (expand Medicaid to all uninsured)
• End all U.S. military aid to Israel
• Palestinian self-determination
• Abolish and replace ICE; restore and expand federal funding (early childhood education, senior nutrition, veterans)
• Protect voting rights
• Tax cuts for working families; clean energy investment
• Cancel student loan debt
• Raise federal minimum wage. No corporate or PAC contributions.

Sen. Bernie Sanders · Sen. Elizabeth Warren · State Sen. Cristina Castro

• Healthcare rights
• Healthcare rights; LGBTQ+ rights; reproductive freedoms
• Resist Trump attacks on rights and accountability

1. Small-dollar grassroots donors — explicitly no corporate PAC money
2. Former Rep. Joe Walsh endorsement — notable given Walsh’s prior Republican background
3. Named individual donors not itemized in press

• Business-oriented "common-sense solutions"; women's rights; protect seniors; insurance reform (mother was denied coverage — personal motivation)
• Lower interest rates; opposes Trump tariffs and "chaos of putting ICE on the streets." Decries Trump policies broadly but frames himself as pragmatic private-sector problem-solver.

1. 8th District community members and constituents — self-described donor base per campaign
2. Small business and tech sector donors (immigrant entrepreneur network)
3. Named individual donors not itemized in press; no reported AIPAC-linked or corporate PAC money

Rep. Danny Davis (retiring incumbent, IL-7)

• Protect and strengthen ACA
• Let Medicare negotiate prescription drug prices
• Reverse Medicaid cuts; federal education funding; workforce training and apprenticeships; comprehensive immigration reform
• Regulate AI and cryptocurrency
• Protect voting rights
• Defend abortion access; marriage equality
• Two-state solution on Israel/Gaza
• Key author of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform provisions

Sen. Tammy Duckworth · Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi · Reps. Bill Foster, Brad Schneider

• Local government experience; constituent services focus; graduated from Lake Park High School; former librarian at Schaumburg Township District Library. Endorsed by State Rep. Anna Moeller.

1. Named individual donors not itemized in press — grassroots and district-based donor network
2. ⚠ No named major institutional donors in press; no reported AIPAC-linked money

• Protect voting rights
• Lower taxes on working families; universal early childhood education
• Raise federal minimum wage
• Invest in clean energy
• Protect abortion access; supports immigration reform. Business and education policy focus.

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — lower-tier fundraiser; named donors not itemized in press

• Rule of law as signature issue — only candidate with legal practice experience
• Military background as credential against Trump's use of the military
• Left federal service in protest of Trump administration policies

1. Dan Tully (self) — $490,500 in personal loans — primary funding source
2. Named outside donors not itemized in press beyond self-loans

• National security and rule of law from DOJ background
• Left DOJ in protest of Trump administration policies
• Limited additional public platform details available

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — lower-tier fundraiser; named donors not itemized in press

First Black woman elected Cook County Board President (2010). Former history teacher for 10 years; former South Side 4th Ward alderman for nearly 20 years — one of City Council's few independent voices under Mayor Daley. Defeated corrupt incumbent Todd Stroger in 2010 as a reformer. Has now held the office for 16 years, seeking a 5th four-year term. As party chair, she controls judicial slating and wields enormous influence over Democratic primaries countywide.

Key accomplishments: 15 consecutive balanced budgets with no county property tax increase; county pension fund ~66% funded (double some city funds); 4 bond rating upgrades since 2021; erased $600M+ in medical debt for 500,000+ residents; guaranteed income pilot (3,000+ households); helped eliminate cash bail in Illinois (Pretrial Fairness Act); "ICE-free zones" executive order during Trump-era immigration sweeps; fought ICE's "Operation: Midway Surge" in court.

• Defend Cook County's public health system from federal Medicaid cuts (county set aside $320M reserves + $70M for potential Medicaid losses)
• Protect county residents from Trump administration policies
• Continue fiscal discipline; maintain county as sanctuary from ICE. Framing: "Trump's declared war on us. We need somebody who's going to stand up to him."

1. SEIU Illinois PAC — ~$350,000 (largest single donor; longtime union ally)
2. Gov. JB Pritzker — $250,000 via his trust
3. Senate President Don Harmon — $100,000
4. International Association of Operating Engineers — $100,000
5. Chicago Federation of Labor — significant contributor
6. Construction and trade unions — broad labor coalition
7. Quintin Primo (Capri Investment Group) — real estate donor
8. Michael Fassnacht (Clayco) — real estate donor

Gov. JB Pritzker · Multiple major unions · South and West Side clergy (dozens) · Springfield state legislative allies

⚠️ Notably did not seek Chicago Teachers Union endorsement this cycle (CTU backed her in past races)

Downtown Chicago alderman for nearly 20 years. Oversaw Trump International Hotel & Tower construction in his ward (completed 2009). Served as Vice Mayor (president pro tempore) under Rahm Emanuel; grew critical of Lori Lightfoot and backed her opponent Paul Vallas in 2023. Vocal critic of Mayor Brandon Johnson and opponent of proposed property tax hikes. Self-described "independent voice" who frequently votes with the council's more conservative bloc. Backed Republican Patrick O'Brien over Kim Foxx (Preckwinkle's mentee) for state's attorney in 2020.

• Make Cook County government more affordable and efficient
• Fix the Tyler Technologies property tax system failure
• Increase transparency in county executive decision-making
• Prioritize ER/trauma care in county health system
• Ensure "Cook County services are for Cook County residents" (immigration cost-sharing critique). Pro-business, pro-affordability framing; opposes tax increases.

1. Matt Bayer (CEO, MJ Holding Company) — trading card/game firm ⭐
2. Jim Perry (co-founder, Madison Dearborn Partners) — private equity ⭐
3. Alexander Pissios (former Cinespace owner; real estate lender) — $50,000 ⭐
4. Neil Bluhm + Andrew Bluhm + Meredith Bluhm (billionaire real estate family) — $17,000 each ⭐
5. Steve Fifield (Fifield Companies) — real estate developer ⭐
6. John O'Donnell (Riverside Investment) — real estate ⭐
7. John McLinden (Hubbard Street Group) — real estate developer ⭐
8. Scott Greenberg — developer ⭐
9. David Schwartz (Waterton CEO) — real estate investment ⭐
10. David Helfand (Equity Commonwealth REIT CEO) — commercial real estate ⭐
11. Don Wilson (DRW founder) — trading and real estate investment ⭐
12. Rich Melman (Lettuce Entertain You) — restaurateur; also donated to Friedman (IL-7)
13. Howard Labkon (General Iron scrap metal family) ⭐
14. Donald Trump — contributed to Reilly's aldermanic campaign fund; Reilly says donated to charity ⭐⭐
15. Chicago Firefighters union — notable labor endorser amid mostly business-backed field

Chicago Tribune editorial board · Downtown business community / Loop investors · Chicago Firefighters union · Willie Wilson (perennial Chicago mayoral candidate)

Ran in 2018 as an outsider reformer against corrupt incumbent Joe Berrios, whose office systematically over-assessed low-income minority homeowners and under-assessed wealthy commercial properties. Won decisively. Financial background: 20 years as a mutual fund portfolio manager and analyst before entering politics.

Key reform accomplishments: University of Chicago study showed near-elimination of assessment regressivity — saved the bottom 70% of homeowners $2 billion cumulatively. Adopted mass-appraisal modeling that more accurately tracks commercial values. Added staff, improved data collection and IT systems. Sought to aggressively assess commercial properties at market value (particularly downtown offices that saw post-COVID value drops).

• Continue equity-focused assessment reform
• Shift to annual reassessment cycle to reduce volatility
• Improve commercial assessment accuracy (currently reduced 10–26% on Board of Review appeal, shifting tax burden to homeowners)
• Fight commercial over-appeal problem at the Board of Review level
• Expand data collection and IT systems.

Chicago Tribune editorial board (endorsed over Hynes) · Reform and good-government advocates · University of Chicago policy researchers (academic support)

Grew up in Beverly neighborhood; son of a Chicago firefighter and CPS teacher; Br. Rice High School 1990; BS in Real Estate from DePaul. Spent 23 years as a residential field inspector in the Cook County Assessor's office — including time under Berrios and then 3 years under Kaegi himself (making this a race against his former boss). Now in his first term as Lyons Township Assessor; won the 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Property Assessment Award from the Illinois Property Assessment Institute. Certified Illinois Assessment Officer and International Association of Assessing Officers member. Also a volunteer firefighter/EMT.

Family ties: His uncle, Thomas Hynes, was Cook County Assessor for five terms and Illinois Senate President — a deeply embedded machine political pedigree.

• "Good clean data" as foundational fix
• Crack down on missed new construction (claims thousands of new construction properties never added to rolls = billions in lost taxable value)
• Reduce assessment volatility
• Create a dedicated Department of Economic Development within the Assessor's office
• Improve accessibility and transparency for working families navigating their bills
• Work collaboratively with Board of Review for consistent market-based valuations. Against shifting to annual reassessment (says office lacks personnel).

Cook County Democratic Party (unusual — endorsing against the incumbent) · Chicago Federation of Labor · BOMA/Chicago (Building Owners and Managers Association — commercial real estate industry) · Several South and West Side aldermen · Major unions

First-time candidate and the only challenger in the 6-year race. Environmental law J.D. and master's in environmental politics. Worked for City of Chicago, EPA, DOJ, and Center for International Environmental Law in law school. Post-graduation: Dale Bryson Water Quality Fellow at Alliance for the Great Lakes; Sierra Club Chicago Water Team volunteer; League of Women Voters Water Issue Specialist. Grew up in a southwest-side home that flooded every time it rained. Ran field operations for multiple Democratic campaigns (Hadden aldermanic race, Bring Chicago Home, Cam Davis signature collection).

• Dramatically expand green infrastructure (rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement, green roofs) especially on flood-burdened south and west sides
• Add disinfection to Stickney plant — world's largest wastewater treatment plant — to reduce E. coli in rivers and canals
• "Polluter pays" and producer responsibility: make PFAS manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies pay clean-up costs instead of Cook County taxpayers
• Monitor and publicly disclose microplastics and PFAS data; lobby to reduce contaminants at source
• Stop leasing MWRD land to polluters; expand community participation beyond check-box public meetings
• Challenger argument: McElroy Kirkwood (the incumbent she's targeting) was appointed without environmental credentials and is too focused on political relationships over technical MWRD work

Sierra Club Illinois · LGBTQ+ Victory Fund · AFGE Local 704 (EPA Workers United) · State Rep. Kelly Cassidy · Ald. Maria Hadden (49th Ward) · 43rd Ward Committeeman Lucy Moog · 40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez · Network 49 · 49th Ward Dems · 48th Ward Neighbors for Justice · Northside Democracy for America · United Northwest Side Women for Liberty and Justice

1. ⚠ Donor data not available — ILSBE state race (not FEC); first-time candidate; smaller-dollar grassroots base; named donors not reported in press

First Black openly trans woman appointed and elected to public office in Cook County history; first trans person to serve on a water reclamation board in the US. Appointed by Gov. Pritzker in July 2023 to replace Commissioner Kimberly du Buclet (appointed to IL General Assembly); elected in 2024 special election. Nebraska native; Columbia College Chicago alum. Career: Sierra Club Midwest communications director; Center on Halsted outreach coordinator; Columbia College diversity recruitment director. Author of memoir "I Have Always Been Me." 15+ years environmental and nonprofit advocacy.

• Flood protection for south and west sides — communities hit hardest but receiving least financial help
• Modernize water systems; energy efficiency; wind power for MWRD aeration facilities
• Evict polluters leasing MWRD land; stop enabling toxics near waterways
• Voted to advance Ostara nutrient recovery program (phosphorus capture turned into reusable fertilizer)
• Supported drug take-back partnership with Cook County Sheriff to keep medications out of waterways
• Expanded MWRD social media outreach to explain complex water issues in plain language
• Environmental justice: resources distributed equitably across Cook County communities

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · Chicago Teachers Union · Sierra Club Illinois · LGBTQ+ Victory Fund (prior cycle)

1. Gov. JB Pritzker — appointed her in 2023; institutional backing
2. Chicago Teachers Union / progressive org network
3. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race (not FEC)

First Latina elected to the MWRD Board of Commissioners. First Commissioner from the Northwest suburbs in recent history. DePaul University alum (Latino & Latin American Studies / Political Science). 16+ years of public service. Former Hanover Park Village Clerk for 12 years — registered thousands of new voters, promoted civic engagement. Daughter of immigrants; driven by desire for accessible, inclusive government. Involved in Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Metropolitan Mayors Conference Diversity Taskforce, IL Census Commission.

• Approved 125 green infrastructure projects since 2020 — creating 9.9M gallons of retention capacity, protecting 2,400+ structures from flooding
• Expanded green infrastructure to suburban schoolyards ("Suburban Green Playground Program") modeled on Chicago's Space to Grow
• Environmental Justice Policy: first-ever MWRD EJ Policy; created Environmental Justice Division with dedicated staff; Community Partnership Councils in Calumet and Stickney
• Annual Monarch Fests in Hanover Park and North Riverside connecting immigrant cultural heritage (monarch as IL state insect / symbol of migration) to environmental outreach
• Water Reuse Policy: established Illinois Chapter of Water Reuse Association; supported 2025 Water Reuse Resolution; pilot project identification underway
• Infrastructure investments, climate resilience, equitable flood mitigation, fiscal responsibility

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · Chicago Teachers Union · Sierra Club Illinois

1. Chicago Teachers Union / progressive org network
2. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race (not FEC)

Appointed by Gov. Pritzker in December 2024 to fill the seat vacated by Mariyana Spyropoulos (elected Cook County Circuit Court Clerk). No prior environmental credentials at time of appointment — her own admission. Career background: educator (Orland Park District 135 ESL teacher since 2009); Moraine Valley Community College trustee/chair (elected 2019, 2025); Orland Township Democratic Committeeperson (2021–present); Orland Park Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Open Lands Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals. Running for first full 6-year term. Widow, three children.

• Practical administration and budgeting expertise; intergovernmental collaboration with Chicago-area and Springfield elected officials
• Expand Space to Grow eco-friendly playground program in underserved neighborhoods
• Protect Lake Michigan; reduce nutrient pollution; invest in modern treatment technology and green infrastructure
• Touts relationships with Democratic Party officials as asset for MWRD lobbying
• Target: Challenger Bury argues she lacks environmental expertise and is too political; Kirkwood argues MWRD staff provide technical expertise, her value is management and relationships

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · Chicago Teachers Union · Cook County Democratic Party · Chicago Federation of Labor · SEIU · IBEW Local 134 · Chicago Pipefitters Local 597 · Plumbers Local 130a · Mid-America Carpenters · Personal PAC · Chicago Fire Firefighters Local 2 · West Suburban Teachers Union 571 · Cook County College Teachers Union · Citizen Action Illinois · International Union of Operating Engineers Locals 150 & 399

1. Gov. JB Pritzker — appointed her Dec. 2024; institutional backing
2. Cook County Democratic Party machine network
3. Chicago Federation of Labor / union network
4. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race (not FEC)

The only public interest Clean Water Act attorney on the MWRD board. 40+ year career in clean water advocacy. Obama administration's Great Lakes point person for both terms (2009–2017), coordinating 11 federal departments and investing $2B+ in Great Lakes restoration — kept Asian carp from Lake Michigan, cleaned up Waukegan Harbor, negotiated the US-Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Former CEO of Alliance for the Great Lakes; former environmental law professor at University of Michigan Law School; former National Wildlife Federation litigating attorney. Put himself through Chicago-Kent College of Law at night while working full time. Elected to MWRD in 2018 (write-in primary, then won general). Currently VP at GEI Consultants.

• "Polluter pays": pushing to shift PFAS, pharmaceutical, and other contaminant clean-up costs from Cook County taxpayers to the polluting manufacturers (HB 2955 and related bills now in Springfield)
• Drug take-back programs funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers — fighting to make MWRD actually use this existing Illinois law mechanism
• "Flood justice": climate change hits disadvantaged communities hardest; expanding green infrastructure from Chicago schoolyards to suburban schoolyards
• Water reuse: recycled water as cost-effective alternative to drawing clean water from Lake Michigan
• Former co-chair of Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee; leading MWRD's role in blocking Asian carp from Chicago waterway system
• Cook County taxes too high — shift more costs to polluters rather than residents

Sierra Club Illinois · 47th Ward Democrats · Multiple environmental organizations

1. Sierra Club Illinois and environmental organization network — primary institutional backers
2. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race (not FEC); uncontested race limits available campaign finance reporting

No Republican filed for this seat. Cam Davis is the only candidate on the Democratic primary ballot. The March 17 primary winner automatically wins the office in the November general election. This is effectively a ratification vote.

Real estate agent who served as legislative liaison in AG Kwame Raoul's office until summer 2025. First-time candidate. Austin resident with local advocacy ties.

• Tax the wealthy to fund public services; progressive economic policy
• Improve education and reduce property taxes on the West Side
• Economic development and job creation for Austin

1. Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) — $72,500 (largest single donor; raised eyebrows as a first-time candidate)
2. Illinois Federation of Teachers — $30,000
3. AG Kwame Raoul (personal donations) — $80,000 total ($5K originally + $25K Jan. 20 + additional contributions); her former boss and largest overall supporter
4. Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 — $5,000
5. Abundant Housing Illinois — supporter (also endorsed)
6. Chicago Growth Project — supporter (also endorsed)

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) · Illinois Federation of Teachers · Abundant Housing Illinois · Chicago Growth Project

First candidate to enter the race (filed July 10, 2025). Longtime West Side community pastor with deep institutional roots — leads congregations in both Chicago's Austin neighborhood and Maywood. Board member at Loretto Hospital and Hire 360 Workforce Development. Leads Black Men United, a national community service organization. Known for bringing pastors together to re-open the appeals window for homeowners hit by the West Side property tax spike.

• Constituent services and making sure West Side residents receive maximum state services
• Property tax relief for Austin-area homeowners (organized pastor coalition on this)
• Economic development and urban investment in Austin after decades of disinvestment
• Education and workforce development through existing community institutions

1. SEIU Local 73 — $30,000
2. Willie Wilson (perennial Chicago political candidate) — $5,000
3. Ricky Hendon (former IL State Senator, 5th District) — $23,000 total paid as campaign consulting fees
4. Various west suburban mayors, 3 Cook County commissioners, 3 state senators (aggregate contributions)

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) · Ald. William Hall (6th Ward) · Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th Ward) · Ald. David Moore (17th Ward) · Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th Ward) · Ald. Monique Scott (24th Ward) · SEIU (statewide) · SEIU Local 73 · Three Cook County commissioners · Three state senators · Raja Krishnamoorthi (U.S. Senate candidate)

Community activist and daughter of influential 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts — one of the most powerful West Side Democratic machine figures. Previously served as an assistant to outgoing Rep. La Shawn Ford. Currently works in insurance. Her mother serves as one of two committeepersons representing the 7th Congressional District on the Illinois Democratic Party State Central Committee.

• Economic development and jobs for Austin and surrounding West Side communities
• Education investment and improving school outcomes on the West Side
• Property tax relief; building on outgoing Rep. Ford's record

1. LIUNA Chicago Laborers' District Council PAC — $31,000 (single largest donor source)
2. Various union contributions (aggregate)

LIUNA Chicago Laborers · Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart · Former IL Secretary of State Jesse White · Various union endorsements

Lifelong Chicago West Side resident currently serving as Director of Community Engagement for 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro. Identifies property taxes as the central issue facing district voters. Endorsed by the Chicago Tribune editorial board.

• Property tax relief as the leading priority for district residents
• Community engagement and constituent services-focused legislating
• Economic development for the West Side

1. Self-loan — $19,818 (largest source)
2. Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th Ward) — $1,000
3. Jason Friedman (IL-7 Congressional candidate) — $500

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th Ward) · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action

Attorney and chief development officer for his family's Chicago-area hotel business. Launched his campaign from Skokie. Described by City That Works as staking out "pretty far left positions." Campaign is largely family self-funded.

• Graduated income tax (supports, despite 2020 voters rejecting it statewide)
• Against the state opting into the national tax-credit scholarship (voucher) program
• Far-left economic and social policy platform

1. Mansoorali Lakhani (father, President of Lakhani Hospitality) — part of $300,000+ parental total
2. Shamim Lakhani (mother, Vice President of Lakhani Hospitality) — part of $300,000+ parental total
3. Lakhani Hospitality affiliated businesses — ~$50,000 additional (campaign finance filings + business records)
4. Teamsters Local 727 (represents Lakhani Hospitality employees) — union endorsement/support
5. SEIU Illinois State Council — union endorsement/support

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) · Teamsters Local 727 · SEIU Illinois State Council

Harvard Kennedy School public policy graduate with deep roots in Chicago Democratic party organizing. Founded Illinois Democratic Women of Cook County; led the Women's March in Chicago and Handmaid's protests. Fought for immigrant rights at Broadview ICE detention center (was shot with tear gas and pepper bullets during ICE enforcement actions there). Volunteers as a GED tutor at Cook County Jail. Multiple local Democratic Party posts. Self-described "pragmatic progressive."

• Graduated income tax — but insists it needs a new proposal designed to overcome 2020 voter skepticism
• Reproductive rights and civil rights as core priorities
• Immigrant rights and ICE accountability
• Legislative advocacy from nonprofit and community organizing experience

Girl, I Guess progressive voter guide

Attorney who worked as an adviser in Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration. Considered one of the two frontrunners alongside Kendrick by local political observers. City That Works described him as a "can't go wrong" pick.

• Housing supply expansion — pro-development and pro-density in the district
• Good government reform and ethics
• Progressive policy priorities with a pragmatic, results-oriented approach

1. Lori Lightfoot network (former mayoral allies) — individual contributions
2. Chicago Growth Project — organizational support
3. Range of good-government aldermen — individual contributions
4. No single large institutional donor itemized in press

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot · Chicago Growth Project · Range of good-government aldermen

Former Obama campaign and White House official. Led Rust Belt Rising, a group focused on electing moderate Democrats, and chaired the local Indivisible chapter. Currently leads a nonprofit. Described by City That Works as running "a little more to the center" than LeBuhn and praised for being "honest about the need to tackle issues like pensions head-on." Tribune- and Croke-endorsed frontrunner.

• Pension reform — direct acknowledgment that pensions must be addressed, not deferred
• Housing supply: endorsed by Abundant Housing Illinois; supports pro-density policies
• Supports the Governor's social media platform tax and two-year moratorium on data center tax incentives
• Meta platform regulation; data center development oversight

1. Margaret Croke campaign (endorsing candidate) — transfer/support
2. Abundant Housing Illinois — organizational support
3. Individual donors (mostly ward residents, Obama network alumni) — no single large individual itemized in press
4. Meta "Making Our Tomorrow" super PAC — ~$142,000 outside spending (unsolicited)

Outgoing Rep. Margaret Croke · Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · Abundant Housing Illinois · Majority of aldermen in the ward

Software engineer, community organizer, and openly LGBTQ+ candidate. Age 32. Rogers Park resident. Running on a far-left housing and immigrant rights platform, emphasizing continuity with Rep. Huynh's legacy. Minimal campaign fundraising.

• Housing justice — build more housing, eliminate parking mandates, legalize ADUs, inclusionary zoning at state level
• Immigrant rights and ICE accountability; LGBTQ+ protections
• Public education funding; community-centered governance

State Sen. Ram Villivalam · State Rep. Theresa Mah · State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid

Former government data analyst and Harris-Walz 2024 campaign staffer. Youth sports coach. University of Chicago alumnus. Felt compelled to run after Trump's re-election. Active canvassing operation — sent volunteers to Ravenswood and surrounding neighborhoods. Backed by UChicago College Democrats.

• Progressive platform; Trump resistance and community empowerment
• Data-driven approach to government from his analyst background
• Housing and community investment on the North Side

UChicago College Democrats

Illinois Army National Guard member since 2011. Columbia College Chicago graduate (2020). Communications consultant. Queer Latina; grew up low-income in southern Illinois — mother immigrated from Mexico, father a Vietnam veteran. Joined military at 19 as a pathway out of poverty. Activated on Jan. 6, 2021; witnessing those events pushed her toward elected office. Now coordinates mutual aid, rapid-response ICE resistance, and weekly protests outside Broadview detention center. Affiliated with 46th Ward Democrats. Gained national attention after publicly announcing she would refuse orders if called up to enforce Trump's immigration policies. Described by top Democratic insiders as the dark-horse surprise of the race.

• Immigrant rights and ICE refusal — personal: her partner is undocumented
• LGBTQ+ rights: marriage equality, trans healthcare, trans soldiers' retirement protections
• Mental health access and working-class economic policy
• Anti-Trump resistance with military credibility

Legal and policy adviser at the Illinois Commerce Commission (utility regulation). Former government attorney. Considered one of the two frontrunners alongside Braun by insiders. Endorsed by the Chicago Tribune. Known for unusually direct, substantive answers on difficult policy questions including pensions — rare in a statehouse primary.

• Pension obligation bonds as a careful, partial solution to the state's pension crisis
• Pro-housing: ardent supporter of state policies forcing localities to act faster on new housing approvals
• Progressive income tax; anti-monopoly and anti-corporate merger
• Utility and energy policy expertise from ICC work

1. Individual donors from Edgewater, Andersonville, and Rogers Park — primary base
2. No large institutional PAC donors itemized in press

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board

Former Deputy Attorney General in Kwame Raoul's office. Previously worked as a lobbyist at the corporate law firm Orrick — which represents DraftKings and FanDuel. Lead fundraiser in the field with the largest personal cash advantage. Running ads highlighting his work cracking down on social media's effect on children. Columbia University undergraduate. Considered one of two frontrunners (with O'Brien) by Democratic insiders.

• Social media regulation and child safety online — cited AG experience suing platforms
• Center-left economic and social policy; anti-corruption ethics reform
• Criminal justice and consumer protection from AG background
• Protecting immigrant communities from ICE raids in schools, churches, daycares

1. DraftKings "American Future" PAC — $164,000 in outside spending supporting Braun specifically; DK Crown Holdings (DraftKings wholly-owned subsidiary) funds this PAC to resist IL sports betting tax hikes
2. Meta "Making Our Tomorrow" super PAC — additional six-figure outside spending (Meta's $750K total split across 4 IL House races)

Winnetka-based community organizer and Democratic activist. Co-founded Operation Swing State during the 2024 election — mobilizing 10,000 volunteers who knocked on 250,000 doors in swing states. Previously advised state governments on COVID-19 pandemic response, working directly with governors, mayors, National Guard units, and public health departments across multiple states. Former chair of Winnetka's environmental commission, which shifted the town away from coal power toward renewable energy. Runs a small business. Describes himself as a "new Democrat" suited for an urgent moment.

• Housing expansion — thoughtful approach to increasing supply and forcing faster local approvals
• Fiscal responsibility with "openness to thoughtful spending efficiencies" (Tribune-noted)
• Anti-Trump resistance organizing and ICE response at the community level
• Environmental policy — renewable energy transition, building on local commission work
• Pandemic preparedness and crisis governance from direct state advisory experience

1. Ironworkers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity PAC — $20,000 (Dec. 8)
2. Iron Workers Local 1 Political Organization Fund — $5,000 (Dec. 4)
3. Illinois Community Organizing Project — $13,800
4. North Shore Organizing (linked to Hanley's home address) — $10,000
5. State Sen. Julie Morrison campaign — $5,000
6. State Sen. Laura Murphy campaign — $2,500
7. Individual donors — Winnetka residents $23,000+; Evanston and Chicago contributors

Rep. Jan Schakowsky · Illinois AFL-CIO · Ironworkers of Greater Chicago and Vicinity · Evanston Firefighters Local 742 · Illinois Federation of Teachers · State Sens. Julie Morrison, Laura Murphy, Adriane Johnson, Mark Walker · 40+ local elected officials · Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · North Shore Liberal Moms · Lake Forest Women's Collective

Evanston-based attorney with a Northwestern MPP and Chicago-Kent law degree. Most recently served as deputy chief of staff for policy under Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle — giving her direct Springfield-adjacent budget and policy experience. Also worked as a policy advocate at Chicago Public Schools and multiple nonprofits. Serves as the Evanston Democratic Party's deputy committeeperson. Launched her campaign just days after Laura Fine announced she'd run for Congress, pitching herself as the candidate with ready-made Springfield connections.

• Healthcare policy — positions not significantly differentiated from Hanley
• Education funding and CPS experience as core credential
• Intergovernmental affairs expertise from Preckwinkle's office
• Legislative readiness: argues she can write legislation from day one without a learning curve

1. Jewish Caucus PAC — $72,800 max-out (PAC was dormant until Dec. 2025 when it raised $268,550; funded by Reps. Gabel, Morgan, Didech, and Gong-Gershowitz each giving $20K from their own campaigns)
2. Health Care Council of Illinois PAC (skilled nursing facilities lobby) — also gave $72,800 to the Jewish Caucus PAC in the same Dec. 2025 surge, just before it was forwarded to Ruttenberg
3. Rep. Bob Morgan (in-kind) — $40,500 from Global Strategy Group earmarked for survey research / polling (Jan. 8)
4. Health Care Council of Illinois PAC (direct) — $5,000 in Q3 2025
5. Duane Morris Government Committee (Philadelphia law firm) — $2,500 in Q3 2025
6. House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel campaign — $10,000 transfer (Q2 2025)
7. Ald. Tom Suffredin (6th Ward, Evanston) — individual contribution
8. Chicago 50th Ward Committeeman Bruce Leon (pro-Israel Dem, withdrew from IL-9 race) — individual contribution
9. Evanston residents — $21,000+ base (Q2 2025); Chicago donors — $18,250+

IL House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel · IL House Asst. Majority Leader Bob Morgan · State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz · State Rep. Daniel Didech · Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action · Evanston school board members (Districts 65 and 202) · Former Evanston Councilmember Robin Rue Simmons

Born in Peoria; B.A. in political science from U of I. Long career in Democratic politics before Congress — worked on campaigns for Chris Dodd, Hillary Clinton, and JB Pritzker's 2018 gubernatorial run. Later became Biden's OMB Chief of Staff. Won her seat in 2022 against Republican Regan Deering and won reelection easily in 2024. Sits on the House Agriculture and Veterans' Affairs committees. First time facing a primary challenge.

• Expand healthcare access (not Medicare for All)
• Pro-labor/union; lower housing, energy, and child care costs
• Anti-corruption reform: stock trading ban, Citizens United repeal, DISCLOSE Act
• Two-state solution on Israel-Palestine; supports humanitarian aid to Gaza and continued U.S.-Israel alliance
• Reform ICE (not abolish); voted for Laken Riley Act
• Secured $680M+ in federal funding for IL-13, including $51M for Champaign biotech hub

1. AIPAC PAC — $5,000 direct ⭐ + $23,871 bundled ⭐ (2024 cycle, per News-Gazette / OpenSecrets)
2. J Street PAC — $10,250 aggregated (moderate pro-Israel group, supports two-state solution)
3. International Association of Fire Fighters PAC — $15,000
4. Amalgamated Transit Union PAC — $10,000
5. Ironworkers union PAC — $10,000
6. Air Traffic Controllers union PAC — $10,000
7. Machinists union PAC — $10,000
8. Ruth Wyman (Urbana attorney) — $6,600
9. Normand Paquin (U of I Coordinated Science Lab assoc. director) — $5,300
10. Various lobbyists and corporate PACs (Blaha: "only 5% small-dollar")

AIPAC · J Street · International Association of Fire Fighters · Amalgamated Transit Union · Ironworkers · Machinists · Air Traffic Controllers

Grew up in the Chicago area (Lemont); moved to Champaign-Urbana for college and graduate school. 13-year Army National Guard veteran. Made national headlines in 2025 when he posted videos declaring he would refuse orders to deploy to Chicago for Trump's immigration crackdowns — potentially facing federal charges for that stance. First-time political candidate; member of DSA, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and Working Families Party affiliates. Says he previously voted for Budzinski before becoming disillusioned with her votes.

• Medicare for All; abolish ICE entirely
• Overturn Citizens United; publicly fund elections
• Raise taxes on the wealthy (New Deal-level wealth taxes)
• Cut defense budget by $100 billion
• Protect immigrant communities; end U.S. military aid enabling Gaza operations
• No corporate PAC money; small-dollar grassroots fundraising only

1. Grassroots small-dollar donors only — no named institutional donors
2. No corporate PAC contributions; no AIPAC money

DSA · ACLU · Planned Parenthood · Working Families Party networks — no major institutional endorsements reported

Grew up on Chicago's South Side; spent high school attending community meetings with her mother, who was an assistant to the late Ald. Lorraine Dixon. After college, became treasurer of the 8th Ward Young Democrats and built political ties through the late Committeeman John H. Stroger Jr. Most recently served as District Director for Rep. Marcus C. Evans Jr., giving her direct experience in constituent services and Springfield legislative work.

• Environmental justice and public safety
• Healthcare access, including trauma center access for 6th Ward area residents
• Economic development and job creation in the district
• Education equity and fully funding public schools
• Making the district office transparent and accessible to constituents

1. Meta "Making Our Tomorrow" PAC — ~$49,000 in outside spending ⭐ (Meta spent $750K total across 4 IL races; backing candidates seen as favorable to tech industry interests)
2. DraftKings "American Future" PAC — ~$159,000 in outside spending ⭐ (DK Crown Holdings; funding candidates seen as unlikely to raise sports betting taxes; $1.2M total statewide)
3. Direct campaign donors not itemized in press (ILSBE state race)

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) · Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT)

Cowley's daughter Hadiya Pendleton was killed by gun violence in Chicago's Harsh Park on January 29, 2013 — just one week after marching in President Obama's second inauguration parade. The tragedy made national news and launched Cowley into a decade-plus career as a national gun violence prevention advocate. She co-founded the Wear Orange movement (honored every June 2nd) and has worked with Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady, and other organizations. This is her first run for elected office.

• Address root causes of violence through economic investment and mental health support
• Hold offenders accountable with tougher gun possession penalties
• Equitable school funding and mentorship programs for underserved communities
• Small business support and job training in underserved areas
• Affordable healthcare access including trauma services

1. Brady PAC — outside spending in support (amount not separately itemized); part of Brady's 2026 "The Safety We Deserve" campaign
2. Named individual donors not itemized in press (ILSBE state race)

Brady PAC ("The Safety We Deserve" campaign) · Chicago Tribune Editorial Board

Grew up in Puerto Rico; attended Escuela del Pueblo Trabajador-Método Montessori. Moved to Chicago area and built a decade-plus career in labor organizing and advocacy. As ED of Latino Union of Chicago, has fought to raise wages, expand healthcare, protect immigrants, and invest in housing and education. During the COVID pandemic, helped organize a makeshift food pantry feeding 300+ people weekly for a year that became a permanent community program. Active in rapid-response efforts against ICE enforcement in Chicago. Member of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Has organized since age 13.

• Raise Illinois minimum wage to $30/hr; expand healthcare
• Protect immigrants (opposes ICE assistance; would hold Illinois State Police accountable for Broadview deployment)
• Invest in housing, education, mental health
• Tax wealthy corporations
• Regulate AI data centers
• Fight sports betting tax repeal. Pledged: "make sure they know our legislature isn't for sale."

1. Grassroots small-dollar donors; no named major institutional individual donors in press
2. ⚠ ILSBE state race; named donors not itemized

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) · Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) · U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (only member of Congress backing Alvelo-Rivera) · Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd Ward) · State Sen. Graciela Guzmán (the district's own state senator) · Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez

Son of immigrants; lifelong Northwest Side resident. Worked as aide to machine ward boss Dick Mell for 17 years — was appointed to the 40th District seat in 2013 when Mell's daughter Deb vacated it to become alderman. First-generation college graduate (DePaul). Part-time stagehand (IATSE Local 2). Has represented the district for 13 years. Passed the first AI regulation bill in the country and multiple subsequent AI/data privacy bills despite opposition from tech companies. Supported by House Speaker Welch and the Democratic Party of Illinois.

• Affordable housing; healthcare access
• AI regulation and data privacy
• Anti-gambling expansion; lower utility, grocery, and childcare costs
• More moderate on immigration than the district's progressive senators

1. DraftKings "American Future" PAC — $220,000+ in outside spending ⭐ (DK Crown Holdings; spending to elect candidates who won't raise sports betting taxes; $1.2M total statewide)
2. Meta "Making Our Tomorrow" PAC — $43,000+ in outside spending ⭐ (opposing candidates who support AI/data center regulation or digital ad taxes)
3. Democratic Party of Illinois — tens of thousands of dollars in in-kind donations (mailers, campaign support); House Speaker Welch's campaign arm
4. Michael Sacks (hedge fund manager, CEO of GCM Grosvenor) + Cari Sacks — $25,000+ total since 2017; $14,600 maxed this cycle ⭐ (per Alvelo-Rivera campaign site; Sacks described as "radical opponent of progressive taxation")
5. Stand for Children (pro-charter school group) — $20,000+ ⭐
6. Illinois Policy Institute (right-wing think tank) — disclosed contribution ⭐
7. Real estate interests — ~$130,000 career total per Alvelo-Rivera campaign (Andrade opposes rent control)
8. Madigan-controlled PACs — ~$300,000 career total per Alvelo-Rivera campaign ⭐ (Madigan later indicted in ComEd bribery scandal)

House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch · Democratic Party of Illinois · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action · Chicago Tribune Editorial Board (endorsed with diminished enthusiasm after ICE mailer)

Grew up in Buffalo Grove; attended U of I and Notre Dame. Currently serving her third term on the DuPage County Board, elected starting in 2020. Also running for her fifth consecutive term as precinct committeeperson. Professional concert violinist and violist, and an active member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. Created innovative programs on the County Board: music and art therapy at the jail, barber training for inmates, and Sustainable DuPage environmental initiative. Selected for the Illinois Women's Institute of Leadership (IWIL). Has championed redeveloping the DuPage County Fairgrounds into an arts complex.

• Ultra-wealthy tax
• Fully fund public schools; expand healthcare
• Protect immigrants (ICIRR-endorsed); environmental sustainability; criminal justice reform (restorative justice)
• AI data center regulation; workers' rights. Slightly to the left of DeLaRosa per Chicago Tribune. Supports "fair tax"/progressive income tax. Would fight to repeal the state's flat tax.

1. Illinois AFL-CIO PAC — endorsed and financially supported
2. Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) — endorsed
3. Illinois Nurses Union — endorsed
4. Chicago Federation of Musicians — endorsed (LaPlante is a member)
5. UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) — endorsed
6. LIUNA Chicago Laborers District Council — endorsed
7. Painters Union Local 30 — endorsed
8. Citizen Action/Illinois — endorsed
9. West Suburban Teachers Association — endorsed
10. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race

Illinois AFL-CIO · Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) · Illinois Nurses Union · UFCW, LIUNA, Painters Local 30, Teamsters (various locals) · Citizen Action/Illinois · ICIRR Action (IL Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights) · Gun Violence Prevention PAC · Illinois Muslim Action Network

DuPage County Democrat with deep roots in the community. Served on a local school board and the League of Women Voters before being appointed by Illinois House Democrats to fill Terra Costa Howard's vacancy in October 2025. B.A. in Accounting from DePaul; background in global business consulting. Chicago Tribune calls her "moderate" with "deep roots in this district and a stellar local reputation among the party faithful." Has been volunteering on Democratic campaigns for over 30 years. Claims 200+ grassroots donors from her neighborhood community.

• Affordability, healthcare access, property tax reform, education funding
• Progressive revenue solutions; practical, needs-based focus
• Will work with Republicans in the competitive district
• Does not support Bears stadium tax subsidy
• Tribune notes she is likely to prioritize fiscal responsibility over ideological consistency.

1. 200+ small-dollar community donors (neighbors, teachers, school board parents) — self-described grassroots base
2. ⚠ Named institutional donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board

Twice-elected to the District 220 Board of Education, including as the top vote-getter in an 11-candidate race in 2025. During her five-year school board tenure: implemented full-day kindergarten, voted to keep LGBTQ-authored books on shelves, saved taxpayers $7.5M at inflation's height. Former Detroit Free Press journalist. Has the most comprehensive institutional labor endorsement list in this race — the only candidate in HD-52 who has been elected to public office within the district. The only Democrat endorsed by both AFL-CIO and IFT in this race.

• Strengthen public education
• Tax relief for working families; clean energy economy; affordable healthcare and housing; child care access
• Protect basic rights and dignity
• Progressive revenue solutions; Tier 2 state pension reform

1. Illinois AFL-CIO PAC — endorsed and financially supported
2. Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) — endorsed
3. Illinois Education Association (IEA) — endorsed
4. Illinois Nurses Association — endorsed
5. Teamsters Joint Council 25 — endorsed
6. SEIU Illinois State Council — endorsed
7. Operating Engineers Locals 150 and 399 — endorsed
8. Ironworkers District Council — endorsed
9. Daily Herald — endorsed
10. ⚠ Named individual donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth · State Sen. Ram Villivalam · State Reps. Theresa Mah, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Rita Mayfield, Janet Yang Rohr · Illinois AFL-CIO; IFT; IEA; Teamsters; SEIU; Nurses; IUOE; Ironworkers · Asian American Midwest Progressives; ICIRR Action; Citizen Action/Illinois · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action; Personal PAC · Daily Herald

First-generation American; parents came from Mexico. Has run for this seat and related offices multiple times, accumulating a track record of close losses: lost to Republican Rep. McLaughlin by 47 votes in 2024; lost to then-Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie by 385 votes in 2022; lost to McConchie again in 2022. Served on the Citizens Utility Board (consumer advocacy) and ran the state HOME homeownership program under Pat Quinn. Has also taught English to immigrants and citizenship classes. Four-term precinct committeeperson. Endorsed by Rep. Chuy García and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (per Ballotpedia). Chicago Tribune endorsed her for the primary.

• Affordability; education funding; property tax relief
• Progressive/fair tax; clean energy and solar oversight; immigrant rights
• Will not support legislation that isn't funded and enforceable from the start
• Skeptical of Bears stadium subsidy

1. Established local donor base from multiple campaign cycles in the area
2. ⚠ Named donors not itemized in press; ILSBE state race

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" García (per Ballotpedia) · U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (per Ballotpedia) · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action

Peterson's main case: she lost to McLaughlin by just 47 votes in 2024 despite it being a difficult environment for Democrats; she knows the district and the voters; Chan Ding presents an untested general election risk. Chan Ding's counter: Peterson has lost multiple times in a district that votes Democratic at higher levels, and labor's institutional backing makes Chan Ding better positioned to turn out voters in a Democratic year.

Son of Sudanese immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking educational opportunity. Earned his law degree from Loyola University Chicago and a master's in public policy from Northwestern. Spent the past six years in the social impact space, helping companies invest in struggling Midwest neighborhoods and connecting large institutions to grassroots community needs. Has not previously run for office. Motivated to run directly by the Jones corruption case, which he frames as part of a long pattern of eroded public trust in Illinois government.

• Universal childcare and early childhood investment
• Graduated income tax to fund public services
• Combat Trump administration Medicaid cuts and immigration enforcement
• Ethics reform and restoring public trust in government
• Economic investment in underserved neighborhoods

1. Individual grassroots donors — named donors not itemized in press
2. No corporate PAC money reported

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board

Chicago-based Democratic candidate challenging Jones III in the SD-14 primary. Filed his candidacy on November 3, 2025 — the final day of the filing period. Has received limited press coverage compared to Karrar, and has not completed public candidate questionnaires. Background and professional experience not widely reported.

• Platform details not widely reported in press

No endorsements identified in press.

Son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr., who was instrumental in Barack Obama's early political career. Worked as an administrator at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity before his 2008 appointment as Democratic nominee — his father announced retirement after the primary deadline had passed, allowing the party to slate Jones III without a primary. Has served 16 years in Springfield, running unopposed in every primary and general election until now. Charged by federal prosecutors in 2022 with bribery, wire fraud, and lying to the FBI in connection with red-light camera company executive Omar Maani. His first trial in April 2025 ended in a mistrial (hung jury). In December 2025, he entered a deferred prosecution agreement — agreeing to pay a $6,800 fine and admit to making a false statement to FBI agents during a 2019 home interview. If he complies through December 2026, the charges will be dropped without conviction. Gov. Pritzker called on him to resign in 2022; he refused.

• District constituent services and South Side infrastructure investment
• Economic development in south suburban communities
• Public safety and community violence prevention
• Healthcare access for district residents

1. DraftKings "American Future" PAC — $263,000 ⭐ (DK Crown Holdings; largest single recipient of DraftKings PAC spending in Illinois; Jones has historically opposed increases to sports betting taxes)
2. Additional direct campaign donors not fully itemized in press

No major endorsements identified in press for 2026 cycle.

Born and raised in Berwyn, Illinois. Earned degrees from Loyola and DePaul before building a career as a grassroots organizer and policy professional. Worked as an organizer for NARAL Pro-Choice America (now Reproductive Freedom for All), then as Outreach Manager and campaign manager for Rep. Marie Newman's insurgent 2020 and 2022 congressional campaigns — the first defeated a conservative-leaning Democrat in a Democratic primary. Most recently worked as a policy analyst for Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services before leaving to run for office full-time. Launched his campaign in April 2025 citing housing affordability, climate, and a stagnant Democratic Party as his motivations.

• Housing affordability — legalize coach houses, reduce construction costs, dramatically increase supply
• Climate action and clean energy transition
• Transit investment and reliable public transportation
• Reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections
• Challenge the status quo within the Democratic Party in Springfield

1. Individual grassroots donors — named donors not itemized in press
2. No corporate PAC money reported

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · IVI-IPO (Independent Voters of Illinois) · Democracy for America · Run for Something · Sunrise Movement Chicago · IfNotNow Chicago · Better Streets Chicago Action Fund · Chicago Growth Project · Muslim Civic Coalition-Activate · Make America Affordable Now PAC · The Justice Coalition Action PAC · Former U.S. Rep. Marie Newman · Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th Ward) · Progressive icon Don Rose

One of the longest-serving members of the Illinois legislature, first elected to the Illinois House in 1994. The adopted daughter of a Polish immigrant physician mother, Feigenholtz made healthcare, adoption reform, and women's services her legislative focus for decades. Sponsored Illinois' 2013 Medicaid expansion under the ACA and the 2017 House Bill 40 that kept abortion legal in Illinois regardless of federal law — considered landmark legislation in the state. Moved to the Senate in 2020 when Senate President John Cullerton retired and party leaders slated her for the vacancy. Was also a candidate for IL-5 Congress in the 2009 special election (lost to Mike Quigley). Has served as Assistant Majority Leader and chairs the Committee on Financial Institutions.

• Healthcare access and protecting reproductive rights (led HB 40)
• Education funding equity and children's services
• LGBTQ+ rights and protections
• Constituent services and district representation
• Public safety — assault weapons ban, law enforcement resources

1. Named individual donors not itemized in press (ILSBE state race)

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias · MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis

A CPS teacher and lifelong resident of Chicago's Southwest Side who has spent nearly two decades working with students, parents, and community organizations navigating housing instability, immigration concerns, healthcare access, food insecurity, and government services. Before running for office, she worked directly with residents on public resources, neighbor advocacy, and community problem-solving — prior to this race she ran a close but unsuccessful bid for Chicago City Council's 26th Ward in 2023. Motivated to run by what she describes as Ortiz's inattention to the district, particularly his failure to be present during the 2024 legislative session. Her second attempt to unseat an incumbent Democrat.

• Housing affordability and anti-displacement protections for the district's immigrant working-class families
• Strong constituent services and district office accessibility
• Education equity and support for CPS families
• Immigration protections and community defense against federal enforcement
• Support for opting into Illinois' national school voucher program (maverick position, per Tribune)

1. Individual grassroots donors — named donors not itemized in press
2. No corporate PAC money reported

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · Abundant Housing Illinois · A City That Works (Substack voter guide)

Born and raised in Gage Park to immigrants from Durango, Mexico. Earned a degree in urban planning from U of I and worked as a college counselor at Back of the Yards High School before running for the legislature in 2018, defeating a long-time incumbent. Has championed immigration-friendly legislation, education equity, and vocational training. Rose to become Assistant Majority Leader under Speaker Chris Welch — a position from which he was removed as punishment after he left the Springfield session early in 2024. Has CTU membership but limited CTU institutional backing in this race given CTU's endorsement of Rivera is not confirmed.

• Immigration rights — DREAM Act, path to citizenship, opposing Trump enforcement
• Women's healthcare and equal pay
• Healthcare as a right; expanded coverage access
• Vocational and technical education in high schools
• Education equity and immigrant family support

1. Named individual donors not itemized in press (ILSBE state race)

Illinois AFL-CIO · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action · Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 (CCCTU)

An attorney who spent years working on policy and legal issues before winning the HD-4 seat in 2022. Has built a reputation as a progressive voice in Springfield on immigrant rights, labor protections, and housing. Chairs the House Housing Committee — a position of significant responsibility given the statewide housing affordability crisis. Has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action in consecutive cycles. Beat Kirk Ortiz in the 2024 primary. The Tribune noted that while her overall record is sound, her housing committee failed to advance either of the state's two major housing reforms to the floor last session — an accountability gap given her committee chairmanship.

• Immigrant rights and community defense against federal enforcement
• Labor protections and worker rights
• Housing affordability and tenant protections
• Reproductive rights and healthcare access
• Public education investment and equity

1. Named individual donors not itemized in press (ILSBE state race)

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action · IL AFL-CIO (implied per labor endorsement patterns) · Multiple IL House colleagues

A lifelong Chicagoan who has spent 15 years living in the 4th District. Works as a vice president at Arms Security Corp., a Chicago-based private security company. Also ran unsuccessfully for Chicago City Council's 26th Ward in 2023 (lost to Jessica Fuentes). Challenged Jiménez in the 2024 Democratic primary and lost. Now running again for the second consecutive cycle on a platform centered on community representation and economic growth. Has limited press coverage and completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey but has not generated significant media attention or endorsements. Described by A City That Works as "a perennial candidate who doesn't have much of a governing agenda."

• Community representation and district responsiveness
• Economic development and job creation in the district
• Public safety improvements
• Supporting small businesses

No endorsements identified in press.

Buckner has represented the 26th District since being appointed in January 2019, and won election in 2020, 2022, and 2024. A Morgan Park High School graduate, he holds a B.A. from U of I Urbana–Champaign and a J.D. from DePaul Law. He ran for Mayor of Chicago in 2023. He currently serves as Speaker Pro Tempore — the second-ranking position in House majority leadership — and holds a day job as VP at Outfront Media (outdoor advertising). He was endorsed by Rep. Margaret Croke in the Comptroller race, whose district overlaps with Buckner's in Hyde Park.

• Housing reform and transit funding — co-championed major legislation in both areas
• Assault weapons ban and elected Chicago school board — supported and helped pass both
• Opposes blanket property tax freezes for stadium deals; calls for transparency and narrow tailoring
• Pensions: raise funding target to 100% and maintain higher annual contributions rather than allowing ramp-down
• Immigration: supports Illinois laws limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement
• Briefly supported a tax on unrealized gains of wealthy Illinoisans to fund transit; proposal died quickly (Tribune criticized)

1. Specific donor breakdown not available from press sources
2. No corporate PAC issues reported

Chicago Tribune · Sierra Club Illinois · Abundant Housing Illinois · Chicago Growth Project · A City That Works

Born in Chicago, Franklin began her political career doing campaign work in Louisiana (supporting Cleo Fields for Senate in 2019). She has since worked in campaign strategy, field operations, multimedia consulting, and petition management. She was elected to the 3rd District of the Chicago Police District Council in 2023. She did not respond to the Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ candidate questionnaire.

• School choice — supports expanding options beyond traditional public schools (diverges from mainstream IL Democratic position)
• Family caregiver support: paid family leave covering eldercare, statewide Caregiver Resource Network
• Property tax freezes for multigenerational households caring for elderly parents
• Mandatory SAT/ACT prep in all Illinois high schools; arts education restoration
• Auto insurance rate caps
• Legislation requiring death certificates to note when someone died in police custody
• Pension constitutional amendment to allow benefit modifications to reduce property taxes (to the right of most Chicago Democrats)

1. No major donors or PAC support identified in press

No major endorsements identified.

Ploger is a middle school teacher in Valley View School District and president of IFT Local 604 (AFT), where he led major contract negotiations including a strike authorization vote. He was elected to the Oswego Community Unit School District 308 school board in 2015, served on the District Parent Committee and Bilingual Parents Advisory Council, and coached basketball for years — winning the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year award three times. He and his wife are raising two sons in the district. This is his first run for the General Assembly.

• Fully fund public schools; oppose school vouchers — explicitly opposes the federal Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA)
• Property tax relief without gutting school funding; reform state school funding formula so ZIP code doesn't determine quality
• Opposes cutting pension benefits; fix Tier 2 disparities; stable, equitable revenue solutions
• Immigration: supports Illinois TRUST Act limiting local police cooperation with federal enforcement
• Wages: real wages not keeping up with inflation; tax burden should fall on the wealthy, not working families
• Reproductive rights: firm supporter; opposes political interference in healthcare

1. No corporate PAC money reported
2. Strong union financial support expected from CTU and IFT

Chicago Teachers Union · Illinois Federation of Teachers · Our Revolution · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action

Haider emigrated from India and has lived in the Aurora area for nearly 20 years. She holds a master's degree in wildlife science and runs a yoga and meditation business. On the DuPage County Board she chairs Strategic Planning and Environmental committees, co-chairs Ad-Hoc Housing Solutions, and serves on Finance and Judicial & Public Safety. She is a director of the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation, co-founded the Will & DuPage AAPI Democratic Caucus, and serves on the Board of Health. About 40% of her county board district overlaps with HD-84.

• Economic development, affordable healthcare, environmental sustainability as core priorities
• Voted as DuPage County Board member to keep ICE off county campuses; supports sensitive-location protections for immigrants
• Pensions: consistent funding, voluntary buyouts, debt refinancing — no benefit cuts
• Opposes broad property tax freezes for stadium deals; supports targeted development with enforceable public benefits
• Taxes: corporations and high earners should pay fair share before asking residents to contribute more
• Does not oppose school choice outright (contrast with Ploger)

1. DraftKings "American Future" PAC — $125,000 outside spending ⭐ (PAC opposes sports betting taxes; same PAC backing Andrade HD-40, Braun HD-13, Kearney HD-34)

Chicago Tribune · Planned Parenthood Illinois Action · NASW-Illinois (National Association of Social Workers)

First Black Speaker of the Illinois House, elected to the post in 2021. Before that he represented HD-7 (western Cook County suburbs: Hillside, Westchester, Broadview) since 2013. Attorney by training. Welch has been a powerful institutional force in Springfield — a consensus builder who is closely aligned with Gov. Pritzker and the Democratic establishment. Running for state central committeeman to consolidate his influence over the 7th District's party apparatus and gain a seat at the Democratic Party of Illinois leadership table.

Welch entered the race in summer 2025, shortly after Danny Davis announced his retirement. The State Central Committee seat had been held by Davis for years. Taking this post would give the Speaker control over the 7th District Democratic organization including ward committeepersons, candidate endorsements, and party resources — a significant power consolidation for a man who already leads the Illinois House.

Danny Davis (outgoing committeeman) · Emma Mitts (37th Ward, incumbent committeewoman) · Rep. Camille Lilly · Rep. La Shawn Ford · Rep. Aaron Ortiz · Rep. Margaret Croke · Walter Burnett (27th Ward) · Derrick Curtis (18th Ward) · Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) · Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward) · Monique Scott (24th Ward) · Stephanie Coleman (16th Ward) · Monica Gordon (Cook County Clerk) · John Daley (11th Ward/County Commissioner) · Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon · DNC member Dan Hynes · Former Secretary of State Jesse White

Oak Park Township Supervisor. He is the only other male candidate who filed for the committeeman seat after Senate President Don Harmon declined to challenge Welch at the November 2025 filing deadline. Very limited press profile available — received essentially no coverage compared to Welch. His candidacy is widely seen as a long-shot against the Speaker's overwhelming institutional support and fundraising advantage.

No major endorsements reported

State Senator since 2022 representing SD-5 (Chicago's South Side / Southwest Side). Elected in a competitive race, Collins has established herself as a progressive voice in the Senate. She is the clear progressive challenger to incumbent Mitts in this race, with the strongest fundraising of any woman candidate and backing from labor.

Illinois AFL-CIO · Additional labor endorsements reported; strongest grassroots labor backing in the women's field

One of Chicago's longest-serving alderpeople, representing the 37th Ward on the West Side since 2000. Appointed State Central Committeewoman following the death of Karen Yarbrough. A West Side machine stalwart who has repeatedly defeated progressive challengers to keep her aldermanic seat — including Tara Stamps, who was later appointed to the Cook County Board. Closely aligned with the Welch/Pritzker establishment wing of the party. She is endorsing Welch for the male seat.

Endorsed by Welch · Aligned with Pritzker/establishment wing · Cook County Democratic Party

Chicago's two-term City Treasurer, also simultaneously running for the IL-7 congressional seat (see that page). Her dual candidacy for both Congress and this committeeperson seat is unusual — the committeeperson race may function as a fallback if she does not prevail in the congressional primary. Had only ~$7,300 in her state committeeperson fund, suggesting this is a secondary focus. Endorsed by CTU and aligned with some establishment figures in her congressional race.

Chicago Teachers Union (for congressional race) · Lori Lightfoot · Anna Valencia

Proviso Township committeewoman since 2022 in Maywood. She filed her nomination petitions the morning of the November 2025 deadline — the last candidate to enter. Has run unsuccessfully for Maywood village president or trustee four times since 2013. Very limited press profile; essentially no media coverage. Long-shot candidate.

No major endorsements reported

Granato currently leads the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management, where she oversees county procurement, property, and federal funding streams. She took a leave of absence from that role to run. Her family connections are a defining feature of this race: daughter of former 1st Ward Ald. Jesse Granato, and wife of State Sen. Ram Villivalam (SD-8, Skokie/Niles). She is the clear institutional frontrunner with the most endorsements and fundraising of the three candidates. Supporters say her Day 1 knowledge of county operations is invaluable; critics note her deep machine ties.

• Leverage inside county government experience on procurement, budgets, and federal funding
• Directed $30M+ through Build Up Cook to invest in neighborhoods with collapsing property values
• Healthcare access; county public health system investment
• Transit and infrastructure accountability

Chicago Tribune · Citizen Action/Illinois · Chicago Labor (Cook County AFL-CIO) · IBEW Local 9 · IUOE Local 150 · Ironworkers District Council · SMART-TD · Illinois Federation of Teachers

Currently the civic engagement director at Equality Illinois, the state's leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. Lifelong Chicagoan from Wicker Park, raised by Mexican immigrant parents who were undocumented until recently. Grew up in poverty with housing instability (moved 11 times as a child). Came out as gay at 14 and found support through LGBTQ+ youth organizations, an experience that shaped his commitment to public health advocacy. Built his career in sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention before moving into policy advocacy.

• Affordable housing and tenant protections; independent redistricting commission before next cycle
• Transparent, fair property taxes; responsible budgeting with clear community priorities
• Qualified, accountable leadership on CTA, Metra, and Pace boards; reliable transit
• Expand Cook County Forest Preserves into Chicago; climate-resilient infrastructure
• Public oversight and reporting of all county infrastructure investments

No major institutional endorsements confirmed in press; strongest among LGBTQ+ community networks and progressive circles

A CPS teacher running his first campaign. His platform is heavily focused on ethics, government accountability, and anti-corruption reform — issues largely absent from the other two candidates' campaigns. Limited name recognition and fundraising, but a sharp and detailed policy agenda.

• Ban commissioner outside employment — commissioners earn $100K; no outside jobs
• Require income disclosure — voters deserve to know what commissioners earn and where from
• Strengthen recusal requirements — mandatory recusal when commissioners have financial interests in board actions or receive contributions from interested parties
• Require Cook County courts to comply with FOIA — courts act as program administrators, not just courts, and must be accountable
• Affordable housing; equitable transit and infrastructure

No major institutional endorsements confirmed

Elected in 2022 by defeating incumbent Michael Cabonargi — an upset win that made her something of an independent on a board whose other two members (Larry Rogers and George Cardenas) have frequently clashed with her. A genuine property tax assessment professional: she was previously the elected assessor of Tippecanoe County, Indiana (2006–2010) and later director of residential properties for the Marion County Assessor's Office in Indianapolis, where she implemented regression models to settle assessment backlogs. She is the only candidate in this race with direct hands-on property tax assessment credentials — the actual technical work the Board of Review oversees.

• Improve transparency and reduce backlogs in the appeals process
• Expand language access for property tax appeals
• Ensure every appeal is reviewed thoroughly and resolved on time
• Defend the Board's independence from the Assessor's office

No major party or elected official endorsements; running as an independent-minded incumbent

A longtime career operative in Illinois Democratic politics. For three decades she was a senior adviser and confidante to former Illinois Senate President John Cullerton — one of the most powerful positions in Springfield Democratic politics for many years. She brings deep institutional knowledge of Illinois government and politics, though critics note she has no direct property tax assessment expertise, which is the Board of Review's core function. She has the backing of virtually the entire Cook County Democratic establishment.

• Strengthen the Board's core transparency and efficiency mission
• Reduce backlogs and expand language access
• Ensure appeals are reviewed thoroughly and on time
• Work collaboratively with the Board's other commissioners (contrast with Steele's contentious relationships)

1. Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA) ⭐ — donated to both Nicholson and Cardenas; represents commercial real estate interests that frequently appeal property tax assessments at the Board of Review

Chicago Tribune · Cook County Board of Review Commissioners Larry Rogers and George Cardenas · U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley · U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky · Toni Preckwinkle · Maria Pappas (Cook County Treasurer) · Anna Valencia (City Clerk) · Illinois AFL-CIO · Multiple trade unions · Building Owners and Managers Association ⭐