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Broadview Today
By the People, for the People
Bishop John Harrell Runs for Illinois House 8th District
Longtime West Side community leader and pastor seeks to represent diverse district in Springfield
Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:52pm
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Bishop John Harrell, the religious leader of two churches on Chicago's West Side and in the suburbs, is running for the Illinois House of Representatives 8th District seat. Harrell, who was recently consecrated as a Bishop, has dedicated his life to uplifting families and communities in need, providing essential resources and advocating for issues like property tax relief, flood assistance, affordable housing, and equitable community development.
Why it matters
Harrell's candidacy represents a faith-based approach to public service, bringing the values of empathy, support, and caring that he has demonstrated as a religious leader into the political arena. His focus on addressing the needs of the diverse 8th District communities, from the West Side of Chicago to the western suburbs, could provide a unique perspective in the state legislature.
The details
As the co-founder of Black Men United, Harrell has a track record of providing food, water, job programs, and securing county and state support for residents in need. He has been a vocal advocate on issues like property tax relief, flood assistance, and ensuring equitable access to resources during crises. Harrell has also spoken out against the departure of service providers like Catholic Charities from the district and has worked to provide affordable housing.
- Harrell was recently consecrated from the position of Pastor to Bishop in his religious church services.
- Harrell is running in the March 17, 2026 Illinois Primary election for the 8th House District seat.
The players
John Harrell
The religious leader of two churches on Chicago's West Side and in the suburbs, Proviso M.B.C. in Maywood and Chicago Northside New Hope M.B.C. churches, who was recently consecrated as a Bishop and is running for the Illinois House of Representatives 8th District seat.
La Shawn Ford
The current Illinois State Representative for the 8th District, who is vacating the seat that Harrell is running for.
What they’re saying
“I want to take to Springfield your policy needs. So when you feel like they're strangling you from doing business, strangling your businesses from growing and gaining capacity, simply because of public safety that you have nothing to do with.”
— John Harrell, Candidate for Illinois House 8th District
“I think it's wrong to cut off parking paths where people can have access to your gas stations. I think that you should be able to have the flow of traffic so that you can continue to make money and be staples in our community.”
— John Harrell, Candidate for Illinois House 8th District
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Harrell's candidacy represents a unique faith-based approach to public service, bringing the values of empathy, support, and caring that he has demonstrated as a religious leader into the political arena. His focus on addressing the diverse needs of the 8th District communities, from the West Side of Chicago to the western suburbs, could provide a fresh perspective in the state legislature.
