Dylan Blaha
From Ballotpedia
Dylan Blaha (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 13th Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026.[source]
Blaha completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2026
See also: Illinois' 13th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on March 17, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 13
Incumbent Nikki Budzinski and Dylan Blaha are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 13 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Nikki Budzinski | |
 | Dylan Blaha  | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Emily Lux (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 13
Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 13 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Joshua Loyd | |
 | Jeff Wilson | |
| ||||
| = 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. | ||||
Endorsements
Blaha received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Blaha's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
- Cook County, Ill., Latino Democrats
- Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption
- Girl, I Guess
- Progressive Democrats of America
- The Oath of Office
- Track AIPAC
Campaign themes
2026
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released February 10, 2026 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Dylan Blaha completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Blaha's responses.
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I am a cancer research scientist, Army National Guard officer, and community organizer running for Congress in Illinois’ 13th District. I grew up in a working-class family and learned early how fragile economic security can be. Professionally, I have spent years in public service, conducting biomedical research at the University of Illinois and serving 13 years in the Illinois Army National Guard, including deployments to Afghanistan and Germany. Those experiences taught me how policy decisions affect real people’s health, livelihoods, and safety. I’m running for office to bring evidence-based decision-making, integrity, and a working-class perspective to Congress. I'm running a grassroots campaign, because I'm not owned by special interest groups or the wealthy - I work for The People.
- Government should materially improve people’s lives. I am running to use public office as a tool for real economic relief. That means fighting for universal healthcare through Medicare for All, lowering prescription drug costs, building affordable housing, and ensuring every worker earns a living wage indexed to inflation. Too many families in Central and Southern Illinois are working harder each year while falling further behind. My campaign is focused on policies that reduce the cost of living, strengthen disenfranchised communities, and ensure no one is forced to choose between their health, their home, and their paycheck.
- Public service must be grounded in evidence, accountability, and integrity. As a cancer research scientist and Army officer, I am trained to make decisions based on evidence, risk assessment, and accountability. I believe Congress should approach policy the same way - by listening to experts, evaluating outcomes, and being honest with the public. I will fight to get corporate money out of politics, push to reform our democratic institutions, and restore trust in government by putting people over profits and transparency over political theater.
- Working people deserve representation that cares about them, not the wealthy and well connected. I am running as a working-class candidate who understands the realities facing families in Illinois’ 13th District. I have served in uniform, worked in research and education, and organized in my community, rather than climbing the political ladder. My campaign is powered by grassroots donors and volunteers, not corporate PACs. I believe Congress works best when it reflects the people it serves, and I am committed to being an accessible, responsive representative who fights for working people, rural communities, and those too often left out of Washington decision-making.
I am most passionate about policies that guarantee dignity and security for every person. That includes Medicare for All, so no one is denied care because of cost; large-scale investment in affordable housing; and jobs that pay living wages so working families can actually get ahead. I am also committed to cutting excessive military spending and reinvesting those resources in education, public media, and community infrastructure. Finally, I support policies such as reparations that directly address systemic racism and the lasting harms of discrimination. Building a just society requires confronting inequality honestly and investing in people rather than endless war or corporate profit.
My dad. He's always taught me the difference between right and wrong and how to treat others with dignity and respect.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and courage. Integrity means being honest with constituents and not allowing corporate or special interests to dictate decisions. Accountability requires transparency, responsiveness, and a willingness to admit mistakes. Courage is essential to take principled positions, even when they are politically difficult. I also believe effective leaders must be evidence-driven, collaborative, and committed to serving the public good above personal ambition. Public office is a responsibility, not a platform for self-enrichment.
The core responsibilities of a member of Congress are to legislate, provide oversight, and represent their constituents. Legislatively, that means drafting and voting on laws that improve people’s lives and strengthen the country’s long-term stability. Oversight requires holding federal agencies and the executive branch accountable to ensure laws are implemented effectively and ethically. Representation means maintaining open communication with constituents, advocating for district needs, and ensuring local communities have a voice in national decisions. Public office is a duty to serve - not to advance personal or partisan interests.
I would like to leave a legacy of integrity, courage, and meaningful impact. I am not seeking public office for personal wealth or recognition, but to improve people’s lives in tangible ways. If I can help deliver universal healthcare, strengthen economic security for working families, and defend democratic institutions, then I will consider my service worthwhile. Ultimately, I hope to be remembered as someone who used the responsibilities of office to leave the country more just, more stable, and more compassionate than I found it.
9/11 - I was eight years old
I worked in a nursing home kitchen in high school, washing dishes and serving residents. I worked there my junior and senior years.
It's hard to pick an all-time favorite, because I enjoy lots of fantasy and science fiction, but I also read lots of non-fiction. The Four Agreements really helped me work through my PTSD.
Captain America. I like the idea of being able to save people in their time of need.
Combat PTSD from military service
The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it is the chamber closest to the people. With members elected every two years and representing smaller districts, the House is designed to be responsive to shifting public sentiment and local concerns. It holds the constitutional power to initiate revenue legislation and has sole authority to impeach federal officials, making it central to both fiscal policy and oversight. Its size and diversity of districts allow for a wide range of perspectives, reflecting the complexity of the nation it serves.
Previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial because it provides familiarity with legislative procedure, institutional rules, and coalition-building. However, it is not a prerequisite for effective representation. Experience in fields such as science, education, business, labor, military service, or community organizing can offer equally valuable perspectives and problem-solving skills. A healthy democracy benefits from leaders with diverse professional and life experiences who bring real-world understanding to public policy, not solely career politicians.
Over the next decade, the United States faces serious challenges to both its democracy and its economic stability. The rise of authoritarian political movements and the growing influence of concentrated wealth threaten democratic institutions and public trust. At the same time, climate change, widening wealth inequality, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence without adequate safeguards pose structural risks to workers, communities, and national security. Addressing these challenges will require strengthening democratic norms, reducing corporate concentration, investing in climate resilience, and ensuring emerging technologies serve the public good rather than undermine it.
The two-year term ensures accountability and keeps representatives closely connected to their constituents. However, the near-constant campaign cycle can limit time available for legislating and constituent service. I believe we should either consider modestly lengthening the term or, more importantly, reform campaign structures so members can spend more time governing and less time fundraising. Strengthening campaign finance laws and reducing the pressure of perpetual campaigning would allow representatives to focus on policy, oversight, and the needs of their districts.
I support term limits for the Supreme Court, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. While experience in public office can be valuable, extended tenure can also entrench power and distance elected officials from the people they serve. In an ideal system with strong accountability and limited influence from special interests, term limits might be less necessary. However, given the current political environment, I believe reasonable term limits would help promote fresh perspectives, reduce the concentration of power, and strengthen public trust in our democratic institutions.
I admire leaders such as Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ilhan Omar for their willingness to challenge entrenched power structures and advocate unapologetically for working people. While I bring my own background and perspective to public service, I respect their commitment to economic justice, anti-corruption reforms, and expanding access to healthcare, housing, and education. I believe elected officials should be responsive to grassroots movements and unafraid to push for transformative policies when incremental change is insufficient.
I have spoken with several constituents who shared that they were forced to give up their health insurance because they could no longer afford premiums after losing Affordable Care Act subsidies. One conversation that stayed with me was with a working adult who did everything “right” (maintained employment, paid taxes) yet still had to choose between healthcare coverage and paying for rent and groceries. Hearing how quickly economic security can unravel reinforced my belief that healthcare should not depend on income fluctuations or policy changes. Those stories underscore why universal healthcare must be a national priority.
Effective policymaking requires negotiation, but not surrendering core principles. Negotiation means engaging in good-faith dialogue, building coalitions, and finding practical pathways to pass legislation that improves people’s lives. Compromise, however, should not mean diluting policies to the point where they no longer meaningfully address the problem. Too often, political “compromise” results in protecting powerful interests while delivering too little for working people. I believe in negotiating strategically to achieve progress, without abandoning fundamental commitments to economic justice, democratic accountability, and equal protection under the law.
The House’s constitutional authority to originate revenue bills is one of its most significant powers. If elected, I would use that authority to advance a more equitable tax system by increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals, closing corporate loopholes, and ensuring highly profitable companies pay their fair share. Revenue policy should reduce inequality and fund essential public investments such as healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure. The power to raise revenue should be used responsibly to strengthen economic stability and ensure the tax code reflects shared responsibility.
The House has a constitutional responsibility to use its investigative powers to uphold the rule of law, ensure transparency, and protect the public interest. Oversight should be serious, fact-based, and free from partisan spectacle. That includes fully investigating credible evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or criminal misconduct, regardless of political party or status. Matters involving high-profile criminal cases, including those connected to the Epstein investigation, and any violations of federal law by executive branch officials must be pursued thoroughly and transparently. No individual should be above the law, and accountability is essential to maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
Abundant Housing Illinois, Beyond the Ballot, Citizens against AIPAC Corruption, Cook County Latino Dems, Downstate Forward PAC, Muslims United Committee, Peace Action, Progressive Democrats of America, Southern Illinois People for Progress, The Justice Coalition, The Oath of Office, UC Jews for Ceasefire
One of the most touching experiences has been meeting people who tell me they follow my campaign updates and policy videos online. I have spoken with everyone from high school students to seniors who say they feel more engaged in civic life because of the conversations we’re having. What moves me most is not recognition, but the reminder that people of all ages are paying attention and want to be part of shaping their future. Those moments reinforce why accessible communication and public engagement matter in a democracy.
I've received a decent amount of medals in the military, but I'm more proud of the research papers I published at the University of Illinois. I hope I was able to contribute meaningfully to the field of cancer immunology research.
The federal government should play a proactive role in regulating and guiding the development of artificial intelligence. AI has enormous potential to improve healthcare, education, and productivity, but it must not come at the expense of workers, students, privacy, or the environment. Congress should establish clear guardrails around labor protections, data security, environmental impact, and algorithmic accountability. Public investment in research and workforce transition programs is also essential to ensure technological advancement benefits society broadly rather than concentrating power and wealth in a few corporations. Innovation should serve humanity - not undermine it.
I would support passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and strengthen federal protections against discriminatory voting practices. I also believe Congress should work to repeal or preempt state laws that suppress voter participation through restrictive ID requirements, reduced early voting, or barriers to mail-in ballots. Additional priorities include expanding automatic and same-day voter registration, protecting election workers from intimidation, and increasing federal support for secure, modern election infrastructure. A healthy democracy depends on broad, equal access to the ballot. Last, we need to ensure every citizen receives the opportunity to vote by making Election Day a federal holiday.
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.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House Illinois District 13 |
Personal |
Footnotes
Senators
Tammy Duckworth (D)
Dick Durbin (D)
Representatives
District 1
Jonathan Jackson (D)
District 2
Robin Kelly (D)
District 3
Delia Ramirez (D)
District 4
Jesus Garcia (D)
District 5
Mike Quigley (D)
District 6
Sean Casten (D)
District 7
Danny Davis (D)
District 8
District 9
Jan Schakowsky (D)
District 10
Brad Schneider (D)
District 11
Bill Foster (D)
District 12
Mike Bost (R)
District 13
Nikki Budzinski (D)
District 14
Lauren Underwood (D)
District 15
Mary Miller (R)
District 16
Darin LaHood (R)
District 17
Eric Sorensen (D)
Democratic Party (16)
Republican Party (3)
