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GOP hopefuls in 9th Congressional District differ on immigration policy
Candidates have varying views on border security, ICE, and path to citizenship
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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The Republican candidates running for Illinois' 9th Congressional District seat have differing stances on U.S. immigration policy, with some aligning more closely with President Trump's approach and others advocating for more lenient policies like amnesty and a path to citizenship.
Why it matters
Immigration is a key issue in the 9th District race, which will help determine the balance of power in Congress. The candidates' positions on border security, deportation, and legal immigration could sway voters in the district.
The details
Rocio Cleveland, an Island Lake resident, is a Trump supporter who wants to close the border and increase ICE enforcement. John Elleson, an Arlington Heights pastor, says he's written letters on behalf of undocumented immigrants and supports amnesty. Paul Friedman, a Chicago software writer, wants to create a path to citizenship and expand legal immigration. Mark Su, a Chicago IT consultant, is concerned about immigration fraud and supports continued border wall construction.
- The Illinois primary election is on March 17, 2026.
- Early voting is currently underway.
The players
Rocio Cleveland
An Island Lake resident and ardent Trump supporter who wants to close the border and increase ICE enforcement.
John Elleson
An Arlington Heights resident and pastor at Lakewood Chapel who supports amnesty for undocumented immigrants.
Paul Friedman
A software writer from Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood who wants to create a path to citizenship and expand legal immigration.
Mark Su
An information technology consultant from Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood who is concerned about immigration fraud and supports continued border wall construction.
Jan Schakowsky
The veteran Democratic U.S. Representative for the 9th Congressional District who is not running for re-election.
What they’re saying
“Closed borders are secure borders.”
— Rocio Cleveland (Daily Herald)
“We want ICE. President Trump, please continue to hire ICE agents.”
— Rocio Cleveland (Daily Herald)
“I know that's a bad word for Republicans.”
— John Elleson, Pastor at Lakewood Chapel (Daily Herald)
“We're a welcoming people. We should not be pushing people away.”
— Paul Friedman (Daily Herald)
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
The Republican candidates in the 9th Congressional District race have starkly different views on immigration policy, reflecting the broader divide within the GOP on this issue. Voters will have a clear choice between more hardline and more lenient approaches to border security, deportation, and legal immigration.
