2026 election to reshape Illinois congressional delegation

CHICAGO (WGN) – The 2026 election will mark a seismic shift in the Illinois congressional delegation.

Five U.S. House seats are open as two incumbents seek higher office, while three retired.

“When you have a host of candidates going for one position, how do you stand out? What makes you different? Why should you be the one that replaces, in some cases, a very long-standing congressperson who you want to take the seat from?” WGN Political Analyst Paul Lisnek said.

The latest official to depart of Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who’s stepping aside in the 4th District.

In an old-time Chicago political maneuver, Garcia’s Chief of Staff Patty Garcia filed papers to run on Monday, deadline day. The last-minute move sets Patty up to be the only Democrat on the ballot.

Meanwhile, the 2nd District is a different story as 10 Democrats have filed. They’ll be battling to replace Robin Kelly, who is leaving to run for U.S. Senate.

The race for the 7th District seat, which has been held by Congressman Danny Davis since 1990, is also packed; 13 Democrats are running.

As Congressman Raja Krisnamoorthi (8th District) runs for U.S. Senate, Democrats are choosing their candidate to replace him. Eight Democrats have stepped up looking to fill the seat.

In the 9th District, Jan Schakowsky’s departure has opened the door for 17 candidates.

“These are strong Democratic seats. The odds are they all stay Democratic after the election,” Lisnek said.

The candidates span the Democratic Party ideological spectrum. Some are establishment types – centrists favoring a pragmatic approach to government, while others are hardcore left and pushing for sweeping reforms.

“It’s an interesting time because Democrats are trying to figure out just how far left are Democrats now. Are they all the way in the socialist Democrat direction or is it more moderate, perhaps old fashioned direction, or maybe a progressive somewhere in the middle of the two of those?” Lisnek said.

As for the Republicans in open seats, they have two candidates running in the 2nd District, one in the 4th District, two in the 7th District, four in the 8th District and four in the 9th District.