Super PACs funding many political ads ahead of primary Election Day 2026 in Chicago, Illinois area
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO — As the Illinois primary election approaches, the airwaves are being inundated with political advertisements, leaving many residents unable to escape the relentless campaigning.

Interestingly, a significant portion of these ads are not financed by the candidates themselves.

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

One individual caught in this advertising storm is Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford. Reflecting on his congressional campaign, Ford stands by his decision to support cryptocurrency regulation in Springfield, unaware of the consequences it would have during his run for Congress.

Enter FairShake, a Super PAC backed by the cryptocurrency sector.

In response to Ford’s regulatory stance, FairShake has invested nearly $2 million in an effort to thwart his bid for the 7th Congressional District. The group has launched a barrage of misleading TV and digital ads that cast Ford’s past in a negative light.

“These ads have dredged up a particularly difficult period in my life,” Ford, a Democrat, remarked.

2026 primary elections: Voter information in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin

The ads imply Ford was convicted of bank fraud. Several years ago, federal prosecutors charged him with 17 counts of bank fraud, but all were dropped. Ford says the ads are slanderous.

“I think voters have to be sure they are not duped by this,” Ford said.

Illinois voters have been bombarded with ads paid for by Super PACs.

PACs are legally allowed to raise and spend as much money as they desire in an election, as long as they don’t coordinate their efforts with an individual candidate.

“There is kind of, you know, indirect communications, kind of fiction that these are truly independent of the campaigns. Because these campaigns, they’re willingly, kind of accepting, this type of spending,” political strategist Frank Calabrese said.

Calabrese says Super PACs are spending well over $4 millions in all four contested congressional races. He says the vast majority of money spent in the races is coming from outside of Illinois.

“It’s more than $20 million right now. So, it’s a significant amount of money,” Calabrese said. “The most money is being spent by the American Israeli Political Action Committee, which is known as APIAC.”

FairShake did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

With 12 days to go before the election, the money continues to flow.

Calabrese says when it is all said and done, Super PACs will spend between $25-30 million in Illinois.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Curses, Foiled Again: The FBI Thwarts a Potential Terror Plot Directed at a Texas Synagogue

FBI Successfully Intercepts Planned Terror Attack on Texas Synagogue

On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the collaborative efforts of the…
Long Island PTA mom accused of stealing $50K from elementary school while she served as NYPD officer

Long Island PTA Mom and NYPD Officer Charged with Embezzling $50K from Elementary School Funds

On Wednesday, authorities reported the arrest of a PTA mom from Long…
Chicago crime: Police release video of suspects in deadly Little Village shooting at 26th Street, St. Louis Avenue

Chicago Police Share Video of Suspects in Fatal Little Village Shooting on 26th & St. Louis

In a bid to advance their investigation into a tragic shooting, the…
California dominates pollution ratings with eight cities in top 25

California Cities Lead Pollution Rankings with Eight in Top 25

As California gears up for new clean-air initiatives and a contested electric…
NYC teen near $100K goal to bring free swim lessons to hundreds of New York kids: 'Life-saving skill'

New York Teen Approaches $100K Target to Provide Free Swimming Lessons to Hundreds of Local Children, Highlighting a ‘Life-Saving Skill

A young swimming enthusiast is making a significant splash in the city.…
2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, whose mother Ashley Griggs died in Chicago shooting, drafted No. 4 overall

2026 NFL Draft: Ohio State’s Carnell Tate Honors Late Mother Ashley Griggs, Secures No. 4 Pick

In a significant moment for both the athlete and his supporters, Carnell…
Prosecutors seek 30-year prison term for South Korea's Yoon for drone flights over Pyongyang

Prosecutors Request 30-Year Sentence for South Korea’s Yoon Over Drone Operations in Pyongyang

On Friday, South Korean prosecutors called for a 30-year prison sentence for…
Wild photos show firefighters battling massive 5-alarm fire at historic NYC church

Stunning Photos Capture Heroic Firefighters Tackling Devastating 5-Alarm Blaze at Iconic NYC Church

Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze…
Australian tourist trapped waist-deep in sewage after outback toilet collapses

Australian Traveler Rescued from Unusual Outback Toilet Mishap

In an unexpected and unpleasant twist during a family road trip through…
Iran reportedly drops more mines in Strait of Hormuz — as US moves more minesweepers into the region

Tensions Rise as Iran Allegedly Deploys Additional Mines in Strait of Hormuz; US Responds with Increased Minesweeper Presence

The United States is intensifying its minesweeping activities in the Strait of…
Rep. Max Miller's divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno's daughter gets ugly

Rep. Max Miller’s Divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno’s Daughter Intensifies

WASHINGTON — Ohio Representative Max Miller is embroiled in a contentious custody…
Benjamin Netanyahu reveals he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer

Breaking: Benjamin Netanyahu Opens Up About Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Diagnosis – What It Means for His Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently disclosed that he had received treatment…