CHICAGO (WLS) — While a lot of money has been poured into the Illinois U.S. Senate race, several House seats are also open. In Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, 11 candidates are competing to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, who is running for U.S. Senate.

The 2nd District covers parts of Chicago’s South Side, extends down to the south suburbs, and includes portions of central Illinois.

A name familiar to Chicagoans, especially voters in the 2nd District, is Jesse Jackson Jr. Jackson is still mourning the loss of his father, Reverend Jesse Jackson. He previously represented the 2nd District from 1995 to 2012 before serving time after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges. Now, the former congressman is hoping voters will give him another chance to represent them.

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller has been actively campaigning throughout the extensive district, from 43rd Street in Chicago down to Kankakee. Although her campaign has attracted some attention for receiving out-of-state donor money, Miller insists that voters care most about what she can do to help families in the 2nd District.

State Senator Robert Peters has also been engaging with voters over the past few months during his campaign trail. A South Side native and former community organizer, Peters was appointed to the state legislature in 2019.

All three candidates — along with others — are vying for the seat currently held by Rep. Kelly, who is now focusing on her U.S. Senate bid.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-primary-election-2026-2nd-congressional-district-race-fill-us-house-representative-robin-kellys-seat/18726755/