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Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2026

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2024
Illinois' 2nd Congressional District
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: November 3, 2025
Primary: March 17, 2026
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times:

6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in Illinois

Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Democratic
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending
Inside Elections: Solid Democratic
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Illinois' 2nd Congressional District
U.S. Senate1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th11th12th13th14th15th16th17th
Illinois elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

All U.S. House districts, including the 2nd Congressional District of Illinois, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. The primary is March 17, 2026. The filing deadline was November 3, 2025. For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

Candidates and election results

General election

The primary will occur on March 17, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Ashley Banks is running in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Ashley Banks
Ashley Banks (Independent) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Calvin Coleman, Mike Noack, and Ashley Ramos are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Image of Ashley Banks

Party: Independent

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "Hi, I’m Ashley Banks, from Chicago, Illinois not Bel-Air. I’m a 40-year-old candidate for change, born and raised right here in Illinois. I’ve spent much of my life learning, working, and growing in the 2nd Congressional District. My campaign, **Banks for IL-02**, is focused on restoring respect, value, and transparency between the people and those elected to serve them. I’ve proudly served as a freelance journalist, photographer, and election judge, and I’ve been actively involved in politics and community work since my teenage years. I’m a graduate of Crete-Monee High School, and I’m currently completing two degrees one in Journalism at Olive-Harvey College and another in International Marketing at DePaul University. Over the years, I’ve gained hands-on experience across several industries that reflect the everyday realities of working families. I’ve worked in education as a tutor for DePaul University and attended Central Arizona College for teaching. I’ve also worked in transportation as a CTA bus driver and truck driver, and in logistics as an Amazon warehouse employee."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Real Experience. Real Representation. I’ve lived and worked in the same communities I’m running to represent from education and journalism to transportation and labor. I understand the everyday struggles of working families because I’ve lived them. My experience isn’t just professional it’s personal. That’s why I’m committed to fighting for real solutions that deliver real change.


Respect, Value, and Transparency My campaign, **Banks for IL-02**, is about restoring trust in leadership. I believe voters deserve honesty, clear communication, and decisions that truly reflect their needs not political games or empty promises. Respect means listening. Value means action. Transparency means accountability. Together, they’re the foundation for better leadership and a stronger community.


Action and Accountability I’m not running for a title I’m running to make things happen. I stand for efficiency, timely action, and clear plans that keep District 2 moving forward. Leadership means delivering results, not excuses. I’ll bring the people’s voice to Washington and make sure it’s heard, respected, and acted upon.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Illinois

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

Real Experience. Real Representation.

I’ve lived and worked in the same communities I’m running to represent from education and journalism to transportation and labor. I understand the everyday struggles of working families because I’ve lived them. My experience isn’t just professional it’s personal. That’s why I’m committed to fighting for real solutions that deliver real change.

Respect, Value, and Transparency

My campaign, **Banks for IL-02**, is about restoring trust in leadership. I believe voters deserve honesty, clear communication, and decisions that truly reflect their needs not political games or empty promises. Respect means listening. Value means action. Transparency means accountability. Together, they’re the foundation for better leadership and a stronger community.

Action and Accountability

I’m not running for a title I’m running to make things happen. I stand for efficiency, timely action, and clear plans that keep District 2 moving forward. Leadership means delivering results, not excuses. I’ll bring the people’s voice to Washington and make sure it’s heard, respected, and acted upon.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

Healthcare Policy

I’m passionate about improving healthcare for all. My focus is on closing the gaps in mental health care and breaking down the barriers that prevent families from receiving quality physical health services. Access to care should never depend on income or zip code.

I also believe in supporting the professionals who make our healthcare system work our nurses and frontline staff. By reducing the patient-to-nurse ratio, we can relieve overworked staff, improve patient care, and create safer, more efficient hospitals and clinics.

Social Policy

Social stability is the foundation of a healthy nation. I believe every American deserves access to safe, stable living conditions.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

I look up to every person who has overcome what the world deemed impossible. Their journeys show the power of strength, courage, determination, and hope. These individuals inspire me to keep pushing forward, to face challenges head-on, and to fight for a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed no matter the obstacles.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

The most important quality I believe elected officials should have is action. Words are important, especially when they are respectful and thoughtful, but they are even more powerful when matched with deeds. Leadership means delivering results, keeping promises, and taking responsibility for decisions that impact people’s lives. I believe officials should be accountable, transparent, and committed to the communities they serve. Respectful communication matters, but real change comes from action that improves lives.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

I believe that someone elected to Congress has three core responsibilities: research, careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and active engagement with the district they serve. A member of Congress should thoroughly study issues, make informed decisions, and ensure that funds are spent responsibly to benefit the people. Equally important is being present and involved in the community listening to constituents, understanding their needs, and representing their voices effectively in Washington.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

The legacy I hope to leave is the reminder that each of us has a mark on this world. Mine will be that I never gave up. Even in moments when I felt ashamed of where I was, I remembered that **just because I’m at a certain point doesn’t mean I have to stay there I want my story to show others that resilience, perseverance, and hope can turn challenges into opportunities and that we all have the power to make a lasting impact on our communities.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

The first historical event I was part of was my own life. I was born with a rare condition called subglottic hemangiomas, which affected me internally. At the time, I was the **first known case in Illinois and only the third in the world. My condition became a case study at the University of Chicago, and from an early age, I learned the importance of resilience, hope, and being part of something bigger than myself. This experience shaped who I am today and inspires my commitment to helping others overcome challenges through public service.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

My first job was at 12 years old at the Richton Park Community Center, a village in the south suburbs of Chicago. The center had a youth program that taught us professional skills early, including how to speak with employers and how to dress appropriately for work. I started as a cleaner, and local residents in the community signed up to employ us youth. That experience taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and community involvement lessons that continue to guide me in public service today.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

Jordan B Peterson "12 Rules to Life"
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

Yhe greatest challenge over the next decade is restoring and improving the systems that serve Americans, especially in the economy. Many policies from the current administration have created uncertainty for families and small businesses. My focus is on building an economy that works for everyone, not just a few, and ensuring that Americans have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive. By promoting fair policies, economic growth, and accountability in government, we can create a stronger, more stable future for all.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

I support term limits for elected officials. Public service is meant to be a responsibility, not a career, and term limits help ensure that fresh ideas and new voices are regularly brought into government. They encourage accountability, reduce the risk of entrenched power, and allow more citizens to participate in shaping the future of their communities. I believe term limits strengthen democracy by keeping leadership connected to the people they serve and focused on results rather than personal political gain.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

The stories I hear from the people of District 2 show a clear need for better opportunities and fairer economic conditions. Residents have expressed concerns about the **rising cost of housing** and the need for rent regulation, especially as wages remain too low to keep up with living expenses. Many families in our district simply want the chance to live a stable, dignified life without working long hours every day just to make ends meet. My goal is to create policies that support fair wages, affordable housing, and opportunities for financial stability, so every resident can thrive without sacrifice.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Banks_20251110_122530.png

Ashley Banks (Independent)

I recently met a woman in Kankakee, a mother working to overcome domestic violence. She shared the struggles she had faced and admitted that she hadn’t always made choices she was proud of, but she had waited until things became unbearable to make a change. I listened, and I shared that I am running for office. I promised to record her concerns, research solutions, and work to help not just her, but others in similar situations. She thanked me and told me she had never voted in her 30 years of life, but after our conversation, she decided she would vote for the first time. I reminded her that politics often involves moral choices and that no one wants to vote for the wrong candidate. I also emphasized that voting is how we bring in leaders committed to real change leaders who work to improve lives and our communities.


Campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Yumeka Brown Democratic Party $69,400 $17,448 $51,953 As of September 30, 2025
Toni Brown Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Eric France Democratic Party $13,091 $11,283 $1,808 As of June 30, 2025
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. Democratic Party $95,029 $40,237 $54,792 As of September 30, 2025
Patrick Keating Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Donna Miller Democratic Party $242,494 $90,523 $151,971 As of September 30, 2025
Sidney Moore Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Robert Peters Democratic Party $693,183 $347,495 $345,688 As of September 30, 2025
Willie Preston Democratic Party $79,354 $34,977 $44,377 As of September 30, 2025
Adal Regis Democratic Party $66,615 $47,934 $10,824 As of September 30, 2025
Jeremy Young Democratic Party $4,370 $2,564 $1,806 As of September 30, 2025
Calvin Coleman Republican Party $7,994 $7,994 $0 As of September 23, 2025
Mike Noack Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Ashley Ramos Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Ashley Banks Independent $0 $0 $0 Data not available***

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

  • Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
  • Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
  • Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
  • Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]

Race ratings: Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
11/18/202511/11/202511/4/202510/28/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The HillPendingPendingPendingPending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Illinois in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Illinois, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
Illinois U.S. House Established parties Not less than .5% (.005) of the qualified primary electors of their party in the congressional district N/A 11/3/2025 Source
Illinois U.S. House Independents Not less than 5% nor more than 8% (or 50 more than the minimum, whichever is greater) of the total number of persons who voted at the last regular general election within the congressional district. N/A 5/26/2026 Source


District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

2024

See also: Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2024

Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Democratic primary)

Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Ashley Ramos and Mike Vick in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robin Kelly
Robin Kelly (D)
 
67.5
 
195,777
Image of Ashley Ramos
Ashley Ramos (R)
 
32.4
 
94,004
Image of Mike Vick
Mike Vick (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
33
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
29

Total votes: 289,843
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Incumbent Robin Kelly advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 19, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robin Kelly
Robin Kelly
 
100.0
 
56,732

Total votes: 56,732
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Ashley Ramos advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 19, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Ashley Ramos
Ashley Ramos
 
100.0
 
20,527

Total votes: 20,527
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2022

See also: Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Thomas Lynch in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robin Kelly
Robin Kelly (D)
 
65.0
 
127,650
Image of Thomas Lynch
Thomas Lynch (R)
 
35.0
 
68,761

Total votes: 196,411
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Incumbent Robin Kelly advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on June 28, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robin Kelly
Robin Kelly
 
100.0
 
56,606

Total votes: 56,606
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Thomas Lynch defeated Shane Cultra and Ashley Ramos in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on June 28, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Thomas Lynch
Thomas Lynch
 
37.2
 
10,289
Image of Shane Cultra
Shane Cultra
 
35.7
 
9,869
Image of Ashley Ramos
Ashley Ramos Candidate Connection
 
27.2
 
7,524

Total votes: 27,682
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2020

See also: Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Theresa Raborn in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robin Kelly
Robin Kelly (D)
 
78.8
 
234,896
Image of Theresa Raborn
Theresa Raborn (R) Candidate Connection
 
21.2
 
63,142

Total votes: 298,038
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Marcus Lewis in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robin Kelly
Robin Kelly
 
84.8
 
94,767
Image of Marcus Lewis
Marcus Lewis
 
15.2
 
16,942

Total votes: 111,709
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Theresa Raborn advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Theresa Raborn
Theresa Raborn Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
12,181

Total votes: 12,181
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.



District analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.

See also

Illinois 2026 primaries 2026 U.S. Congress elections
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Ballot access

External links

Footnotes

  1. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  2. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  3. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  4. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018


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