Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2026
|
← 2024
|
| Illinois' 2nd Congressional District |
|---|
| 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. |
| Race ratings |
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 |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th • 12th • 13th • 14th • 15th • 16th • 17th 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:
- Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2026 (March 17 Republican primary)
- Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2026 (March 17 Democratic primary)
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 | ||
Ashley Banks (Independent) ![]() | ||
= 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
The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Toni Brown | ||
| Yumeka Brown | ||
| Eric France | ||
| Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. | ||
| Patrick Keating | ||
| Donna Miller | ||
| Sidney Moore | ||
| Robert Peters | ||
| Willie Preston | ||
| Adal Regis | ||
| Jeremy Young | ||
= 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
- Robin Kelly (D)
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 | ||
Calvin Coleman ![]() | ||
| Mike Noack | ||
| Ashley Ramos | ||
= 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.
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."
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.
| Collapse all
Ashley Banks (Independent)
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
Ashley Banks (Independent)
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.Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
Ashley Banks (Independent)
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." |
|||||
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 tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 11/18/2025 | 11/11/2025 | 11/4/2025 | 10/28/2025 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | |||||
| Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | Safe 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 | ||
| ✔ | Robin Kelly (D) | 67.5 | 195,777 | |
| Ashley Ramos (R) | 32.4 | 94,004 | ||
| Mike Vick (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 33 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 29 | ||
| Total votes: 289,843 | ||||
= 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 | ||
| ✔ | Robin Kelly | 100.0 | 56,732 | |
| Total votes: 56,732 | ||||
= 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
- John Curry (D)
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 | ||
| ✔ | Ashley Ramos | 100.0 | 20,527 | |
| Total votes: 20,527 | ||||
= 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
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 | ||
| ✔ | Robin Kelly (D) | 65.0 | 127,650 | |
| Thomas Lynch (R) | 35.0 | 68,761 | ||
| Total votes: 196,411 | ||||
= 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 | ||
| ✔ | Robin Kelly | 100.0 | 56,606 | |
| Total votes: 56,606 | ||||
= 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
- Toni Brown (D)
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 | ||
| ✔ | Thomas Lynch | 37.2 | 10,289 | |
| Shane Cultra | 35.7 | 9,869 | ||
Ashley Ramos ![]() | 27.2 | 7,524 | ||
| Total votes: 27,682 | ||||
= 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
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 | ||
| ✔ | Robin Kelly (D) | 78.8 | 234,896 | |
Theresa Raborn (R) ![]() | 21.2 | 63,142 | ||
| Total votes: 298,038 | ||||
= 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 | ||
| ✔ | Robin Kelly | 84.8 | 94,767 | |
| Marcus Lewis | 15.2 | 16,942 | ||
| Total votes: 111,709 | ||||
= 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
- John Morrow (D)
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 | ||
| ✔ | Theresa Raborn ![]() | 100.0 | 12,181 | |
| Total votes: 12,181 | ||||
= 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Voting in Illinois Illinois elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries |
U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
