Two Democrats vie for 34th Illinois House District seat

Aja Kearney and Cleopatra Cowley face off in March 17 primary after incumbent's retirement

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After eight years representing the 34th District in the Illinois General Assembly, Rep. Nick Smith decided he will not seek reelection this year. Instead, Democrats Aja Kearney and Cleopatra Cowley are poised to compete in the March 17 primary for the open seat. No Republican filed to run for the seat, which covers parts of Chicago's South Side and the Kankakee area.

Why it matters

The 34th District race is an important one, as the winner will represent a diverse area that includes both urban and suburban communities. The district has a history of Democratic representation, and the primary will effectively decide the next representative.

The details

Kearney, a nearly lifelong South Side resident, has a background in community organizing and county government. She previously ran for 6th Ward alderman in 2023. Cowley's campaign is shaped by the 2013 shooting death of her 15-year-old daughter, Hadiya Pendleton. Since then, Cowley has been outspoken in calls to end gun violence and plans to champion policies that address the root causes of violence.

  • The March 17 Democratic primary will decide the nominee.
  • Rep. Nick Smith is retiring after eight years representing the 34th District.

The players

Aja Kearney

A nearly lifelong South Side resident with a background in community organizing and county government. She previously ran for 6th Ward alderman in 2023.

Cleopatra Cowley

Her campaign is shaped by the 2013 shooting death of her 15-year-old daughter, Hadiya Pendleton. Since then, Cowley has been outspoken in calls to end gun violence.

Nick Smith

The incumbent 34th District representative who is retiring after eight years in the Illinois General Assembly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A lot of people don't fully understand what certain elected officials' offices are for. It's important to educate people about what our office is for, what we can do and how we can help.”

— Aja Kearney (Chicago Tribune)

“My life has been forever changed because of what someone else did. I'm not going to be extremely political, but if I can help someone else not go through what we've gone through, then I have to do what I can.”

— Cleopatra Cowley (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The March 17 Democratic primary will decide the nominee for the 34th Illinois House District seat.

The takeaway

The 34th District race is an important one, as the winner will represent a diverse area that includes both urban and suburban communities. The primary will effectively decide the next representative, as no Republican filed to run for the seat.