Two Statewide Republican Candidates Emerge
Former Jackson County State’s Attorney Joe Cervantez says he plans to run for Illinois Attorney General next year.
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While Illinois Republicans have struggled to find top tier candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate in 2026, little has been made so far about what Republicans may step into down ballot races next year.
Joe Cervantez, the former Jackson County State’s Attorney who lost a race for re-election last year by 39 votes, confirmed Monday night he plans to run for Attorney General. Cervantez served one term as State’s Attorney.
He’s a former Marine who served in Iraq.
Chicago’s 29th Ward Republican Committeeman Walter Adamczyk previously announced he was planning a run for Secretary of State. He has yet to create a campaign fundraising committee.
One of the problems facing Republicans is only three Republican senators are midterm in 2026 (Arellano, Bryant, Plummer) and none are expected to launch a statewide campaign. All other Senate or House Republicans would have to give up their seat to run statewide.
