Candidates Begin Filing for 2026 Elections as Races Heat Up

The 2026 election season officially kicked off Oct. 28 as candidates across Illinois lined up to file nominating petitions for offices up and down the ballot.

The filing period, which runs through Nov. 3, marks the first major step toward the March 17, 2026, primary election. Filings are processed by the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE) in Springfield and determine which names appear on the ballot for local, state, and federal offices — including judgeships, congressional seats, and statewide positions.

How the filing process works

To appear on the ballot, candidates must submit nominating petitions with a required number of valid signatures from registered voters in their district. For congressional and statewide races, candidates file with the ISBE; for local offices, filings typically go through county election authorities.

Candidates who file on the first day — usually arriving before doors open at 8 a.m. — are entered into a lottery for the coveted top ballot spot. Those who file on the final day enter a separate lottery for the last ballot position. Objections to petitions may be filed in the weeks following the close of the filing window.

The full list of candidates is updated daily on the ISBE’s Candidate Filing and Results portal (elections.il.gov).

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7th Congressional District: A crowded Democratic field emerges

The race to represent Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, which includes much of Chicago’s West Side and near-western suburbs, is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. As of Monday evening, nine Democratic candidates and one Republican had filed to run.

• Anthony Driver Jr., president, Chicago Board of Elections
• Richard R. Boykin, former Cook County commissioner
• Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago city treasurer
• Jazmin J. Robinson, community organizer
• La Shawn K. Ford, state representative (8th District)
• Felix Tello, Glenview resident
• Reed Showalter, attorney, Chicago
• Anabel Mendoza, nonprofit worker, Hyde Park
• Rory Hoskins, mayor of Forest Park

Republican Chad Koppie also filed.

Longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis — who has represented the district since 1997 — announced in July that he will retire at the end of his current term and has endorsed Ford as his preferred successor.

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8th State Representative District: Familiar faces and new challengers

In the 8th District — which covers parts of Austin and Garfield Park — four Democratic contenders filed early.

• John Harrell, pastor and community activist
• Jill Bush, 29th Ward staffer and DePaul graduate
• Shantel Franklin, real estate agent and former legislative liaison
• Latonya Mitts, community advocate and daughter of 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts

The race could decide who succeeds Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, who is now seeking to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis in Congress.

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U.S. Senate: Big names and early entrants

The contest to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth — who announced she will not seek reelection — is also drawing a crowded Democratic field.

• Juliana Stratton, Illinois lieutenant governor
• Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. representative from Schaumburg
• Robin Kelly, U.S. representative from Lynwood
• Kevin Ryan, Chicago attorney
• Steve Botsford Jr., Chicago businessman
• Jump Shepherd, North Riverside community leader

Republican Casey Chlebek of Lake Forest filed as the first GOP contender.

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What happens next

Once the filing period closes Nov. 3, election authorities will review petitions and address any challenges. The final certified candidate list will be published later this winter.

The primary election will take place March 17, 2026, followed by the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. Early voting for the primary is scheduled to begin in early February.

For full candidate lists and filing updates, visit elections.il.gov.

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Key Election Dates & Voter Resources

Key Dates

• Oct. 27 – Nov. 3, 2025: Candidate filing period for established parties
• Dec. 2025 – Jan. 2026: Petition challenges and ballot-order lotteries
• Feb. 5, 2026: Early voting begins statewide
• March 17, 2026: Primary Election Day
• Nov. 3, 2026: General Election Day

Voter Registration

• Chicago residents can register online, by mail, or in person at chicagoelections.gov.
• Online registration closes 15 days before the election.
• Grace-period registration is available at early-voting sites and on Election Day — you’ll need two forms of ID, one showing your current address.

Vote by Mail

• Any registered voter can request a mail ballot without stating a reason.
• Requests can be made through your local election authority (Cook County, Chicago Board of Elections, or county clerk).
• Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 14 days afterward to be counted.
• Voters may also sign up for permanent vote-by-mail status through their election office.

Early Voting & Polling Places

• Early voting begins Feb. 5, 2026, at sites across Chicago and suburban Cook County.
• Voters can cast ballots at any early-voting site in their jurisdiction.
• On Election Day, polling places are open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Work the Polls

The Chicago Board of Elections is looking for high school students to serve as election judges for the upcoming March 17, 2026, Primary Election. Earn up to $230. Apply here.