Key 2026 Races to Set Stage for Major Political Change

As the 2026 election season accelerates, a coalition of community organizations is bringing democracy directly to the neighborhoods most affected by the decisions made in City Hall, Springfield, and Washington.

Over the next several weeks, a coordinated series of candidate forums will convene on Chicago’s West Side and in the west suburbs, allowing residents to question candidates seeking offices that shape housing policy, taxation, education, transportation, healthcare, and economic development across the region.

The forums are organized by Interfaith Illinois, Proviso Votes, the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, the Proviso West Suburban Branch NAACP, the South Austin Neighborhood Alliance (SANA), Township Ministerial Alliance Network (PTMAN), Austin Forward Together, Westside Health Authority, the North Lawndale Community News, and The Culture. A candidate questionnaire and a comprehensive Voter Awareness Guide will be published ahead of early voting.

These races arrive at a moment of transition: multiple longtime officeholders are stepping aside, leaving voters with rare chances to redefine representation for the West Side and surrounding suburbs.

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Volunteers Needed

These events rely on community energy as much as civic engagement. The Chicago Westside Branch NAACP is actively seeking candidate forum volunteers to help with:

• Volunteer coordination
• Event setup and breakdown
• Registration and attendee/candidate greeting
• Question runners and refreshment service
• Outreach and spreading the word

Sign up to help at tinyurl.com/cwbnaacpvolunteer or scan the volunteer QR code on flyers circulating in the community.

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PTMAN Forum

PTMAN, Proviso Votes, and the Proviso West Suburban Branch NAACP will host a forum open to candidates running in multiple races on Saturday, Jan. 17, 1-4 p.m., at Proviso Math and Science Academy, 8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park. The forum will be moderated by Michael Romain. 

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U.S. Senate — Open Seat to Succeed Sen. Dick Durbin

For the first time in decades, Illinois voters will choose a new U.S. Senator following the retirement of Sen. Dick Durbin, who has represented the state since 1997 and currently serves as Senate Majority Whip. His departure opens a powerful seat with national consequences — and major implications for federal investment in Illinois communities.

Candidates in both major parties are seeking to define the future of Illinois’ role in Congress, including federal funding for infrastructure, housing, healthcare, public transportation, criminal justice reform, and economic development on the West Side. A forum scheduled for Feb. 5 for this race has been canceled.

Who’s Running

Democratic

• Sean Brown
• Awisi A. Bustos
• Jonathan Dean
• Robin Kelly
• Raja Krishnamoorthi
• Bryan Maxwell
• Kevin Ryan
• Juliana Stratton
• Christopher Swann
• Steve Botsford Jr.

Republican

• R. Cary Capparelli
• Casey Chlebek
• Casandra Claiborne
• Jeannie Evans
• Pamela Denise Long
• Don Tracy
• Jimmy Lee Tillman II

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7th Congressional District — Successor to Rep. Danny Davis

After nearly three decades in office, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis is stepping down from the 7th Congressional District, a seat long associated with civil rights leadership, progressive politics, and deep ties to Greater West Side communities. The open contest is one of the most competitive and consequential in Illinois.

Candidates will face questions on federal oversight of housing, transportation funding, economic justice, education equity, healthcare access, and the role of Congress in protecting civil rights.

Who’s Running

Democratic

• La Shawn K. Ford
• Jazmin J. Robinson
• Melissa Conyears-Ervin
• Jason Friedman
• Rory Hoskins
• Reed Showalter
• Anabel Mendoza
• Anthony Driver Jr.
• Richard R. Boykin
• Felix Tello
• Kina Collins
• David Ehrlich
• Thomas Fisher

Republican

• Chad Koppie
• Patricia “P Rae” Easley

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8th State Representative District — Successor to Rep. La Shawn Ford

State Rep. La Shawn Ford, a veteran lawmaker known for mental health advocacy and criminal justice reform, is leaving the Illinois House seat he has held since 2007. The district, which includes significant portions of the West Side and near west suburbs, now faces a pivotal choice in Springfield.

Candidates will address state funding priorities, public education, workforce development, community safety, and economic stability, among other issues.

Who’s Running

Democratic

• LaToya Mitts
• Shantel Franklin
• John Harrell
• Jill Bush

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Cook County Board President — Countywide Leadership Transition

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, one of the most powerful officials in Illinois government, is seeking re-election as she oversees a county responsible for healthcare, courts, public safety, transportation, and social services for more than five million residents. Forum details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Who’s Running

Democratic

• Toni Preckwinkle
• Brendan Reilly

Libertarian

• Michael Murphy

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Cook County Assessor — Property Taxes & Neighborhood Stability

The Cook County Assessor’s Office — currently held by Fritz Kaegi — controls property assessments that directly affect household finances, housing stability, and neighborhood investment. Property tax equity remains one of the most pressing issues across the West Side.

This forum will focus on fairness, transparency, and long-term reform of Cook County’s property assessment system.

Who’s Running

Democratic

• Fritz Kaegi
• Pat Hynes

Libertarian

• Nico Tsatsoulis