New Candidates Emerge for 2026
The first floor staircase at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
Here’s a rundown of recent candidate filings.
Democrat Ahmed Karrar is challenging Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) in a primary. The Feds have said they plan to retry Jones for bribery and lying to the FBI after a hung jury this spring. Karrar has worked for progressive organizations and on the campaign of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg). Jones hasn’t specifically said that he is or isn’t running again, but everyone I’ve spoken to says they believe he is.
Democrat Spencer Gore of Naperville has filed a campaign committee. He may challenge Sen. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) or run for the open seat being vacated by Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton).
Democrat Karen Battaglia of Antioch has filed paperwork to challenge Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry). Battaglia is a nurse. Donald Trump won the district by about six points last year. Darren Bailey won it by about two points in 2022.
Republican Danielle Penman of St. Charles has filed to run in the 33rd Senate District being vacated by Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles). She is at least the third Republican to throw their hat in the ring for the seat along with Jessica Breugelmans of Geneva and Tom McIntosh of St. Charles. Democrats are expected to make a hard charge at the seat.
Democrat Benjamin Harrison has filed paperwork to challenge Rep. Omar Williams (D-Chicago).
Democrat Mac Lebuhn has filed paperwork to run for the 12th House District being vacated by Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago). Croke is running for Comptroller. He’s an attorney who formerly worked in the Mayor’s office. Democrat Karim Lakhani, an attorney and hotel owner and Justin Kumar, a venture capital firm operator, have also filed paperwork to run.
Republican Joan McGloin has filed paperwork to challenge Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). Kamala Harris won the district by 69 points last year.
Republican Ralph Black of Hanover Park has filed paperwork to challenge Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates). Crespo was essentially kicked out of the House Democratic caucus last year. The expectation is that Democrats would primary him, but we haven’t heard a name yet. Kamala Harris won the district by about 15 points, Governor Pritzker won it by 25 in 2022.
Propane company owner Robert Vrankovich of Carol Stream is the GOP choice for the seat being vacated by Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton).
Republican Kathy Easton has filed paperwork challenging Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford). She most recently operated an event planning and decoration business. Kamala Harris won the district by 8 points last year, Governor Pritzker won it by around 6 in 2022. Republicans believe the right candidate can win this district.
