Illinois election primary 2026: Jesse Jackson Jr., Donna Miller, Robert Peters seek Robin Kelly's 2nd Congressional District seat
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO — With just four days remaining until the primary election, a bustling group of candidates is vying to take over the seat from Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who has set her sights on a U.S. Senate run.

Stretching from Kenwood to Danville and westward to Pontiac, Illinois’ Second Congressional District is witnessing a heated Democratic primary. The race features well-known contenders and substantial financial influence from super PACs. As the campaign enters its final stretch, ABC7 engaged with the top three candidates to gather their thoughts.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

One of these candidates, former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., was out meeting constituents over meals at Valois in Hyde Park, making the most of the dwindling days of his campaign trail.

“I’m hopeful that our message resonated with the people, and they are eager for the Second Congressional District to advance rather than regress,” Jackson expressed.

Meanwhile, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller spent her Friday connecting with voters in Matteson, aiming to emerge as the candidate of choice through consensus.

“I see myself as a consensus builder, someone who can bridge divides and initiate dialogue across the aisle. While agreement isn’t guaranteed, opening up conversations is crucial, and that’s what’s missing in Washington right now,” Miller stated.

ABC7 also caught up with Illinois state Sen. Robert Peters before an event on the South Side.

“This is one of the most working-class districts. People’s health care is being cut. People are losing their housing. People are struggling every day. They want to see people in Congress fighting to make their lives easier. That is our jobs,” Peters said.

Super PACs are spending millions on this race. AIPAC, the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, is running pro-Miller ads. Think Big, an AI PAC, is boosting Jackson’s campaign, while Fairshake, a crypto PAC, is attacking Peters. So, are the candidates concerned about such outside influences?

“The Illinois Second Congressional District is a working-class, Black district, and having these billionaire, right-wing donors coming and trying to buy up this scene is a real concern that we should all be worried about,” Peters said.

“What I’m hearing from voters is, mainly the media and my opponents are the ones talking about all these issues. We’re not hearing that from the community. That’s not what they’re focused on,” Miller said.

“There’s been no coordination, but they certainly heard my openness to the idea that we’re not running from economic opportunity for our district,” Jackson said.

Whoever voters select in the Democratic primary will be favored to win the congressional seat in November.

“We’ve hid nothing about my past convictions. And so, voters who are voting for me in this race are solid voters, because they don’t have any more questions,” Jackson said.

“People in my district know me. I represent, already, 27% of this district. I, also, the largest voting bloc population in this district is African American women over the age of 55; that’s me,” Miller said.

“We have Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, the Working Families Party, a whole bunch of progressive labor unions and progressive groups that are doing work side-by-side with us. We believe we have the coalition that we can win on Election Day,” Peters said.

With only four days until the election, the candidates do not have much time to influence last-minute voters, but they will be doing everything possible to reach as many as they can.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pastor known for marriage advice arrested at rumored swingers community accused of having multiple wives

Renowned Marriage Counselor and Pastor Arrested in Swingers Community Scandal for Alleged Polygamy

A pastor operating a ministry within a community known for its swinger…
Easy Fix: How to deep clean your greasy range hood filter

Revitalize Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Greasy Range Hood Filter

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen…
Lip reader reveals what President Trump said to King Charles III after royals arrived at White House

Unveiled: What President Trump Secretly Told King Charles III at the White House, Decoded by Expert Lip Reader

As King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their grand entrance at…
Nearly $870K in chemical spraying drones stolen from NJ company in 'nightmare scenario' heist: report

Massive $870K Drone Heist: NJ Company’s Chemical Sprayers Vanish in Brazen Theft

Industrial drones valued at close to $870,000, designed for dispersing large volumes…
Swedish Hospital shooting Chicago: Alphanso Talley, charged with killing CPD Officer John Bartholomew,

Shocking Swedish Hospital Shooting: Alphanso Talley Charged in Murder of CPD Officer John Bartholomew in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — The individual accused of the shooting at Swedish Hospital,…
Mentalist Oz Pearlman won't appear on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' after WHCD shooting, Melania Trump 'widow' quip

Why Mentalist Oz Pearlman’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Appearance Was Canceled: The Real Story Behind the WHCD Incident

Mentalist Oz Pearlman has decided not to appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”…
Pope and first female Archbishop of Canterbury meet and pray together

Historic Meeting: Pope and First Female Archbishop of Canterbury Unite in Prayer for Global Harmony

VATICAN CITY – In a historic meeting on Monday, Pope Leo and…
Chicago weather forecast: Potentially severe storms expected Monday, with risk of high winds, hail and tornadoes

Severe Weather Alert: Chicago Faces High Winds, Hail, and Tornado Threat on Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is bracing for potentially severe weather…
Trial of Austrian man accused of plotting to attack a Taylor Swift concert set to begin

Austrian Man’s Trial Commences for Alleged Plot Against Taylor Swift Concert

In Austria, a high-profile trial is set to commence on Tuesday involving…
22 Buddhist monks arrested at Sri Lanka airport for allegedly hiding 242 pounds of marijuana in luggage

Breaking News: Sri Lanka Airport Bust – 22 Buddhist Monks Detained with 242 Pounds of Marijuana

In a shocking turn of events, 22 Buddhist monks were detained at…
California forensic science teacher Erin Andrade wins Crystal Apple Award

California’s Erin Andrade Honored with Prestigious Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Forensic Science Education

A teacher specializing in forensic science in California is stepping into the…
Ex-inmate wanted over suspected abduction of 5-year-old Sharon Granites in remote Alice Springs town

Urgent Alert: Former Convict Sought in Mysterious Disappearance of 5-Year-Old in Alice Springs

Authorities are on the hunt for a former prisoner in connection with…