Quigley, Challengers Clash on U.S.-Israel Relations

Candidates in Illinois' 5th Congressional District primary offer divergent views on America's ties with Israel

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and two of his Democratic primary opponents in Illinois' 5th Congressional District race expressed vastly different stances on the United States' relationship with Israel during a recent candidates' forum. Quigley, a 10-term incumbent, defended Israel as a critical Middle East ally but criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Challenger Matthew Conroy called for ending U.S. military aid to Israel, accusing the country of war crimes. Challenger Ellen Corley went further, demanding the U.S. "declare war on Israel" and claiming pro-Israel lobbying groups have undue political influence.

Why it matters

The candidates' divergent views on U.S.-Israel relations highlight a growing rift within the Democratic party over the issue. While Quigley represents the more traditional pro-Israel stance, Conroy and Corley reflect a shift among some progressives toward a more critical stance on Israel's policies, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The details

At a League of Women Voters forum in Barrington, Illinois, Quigley, Conroy and Corley staked out their positions on the U.S.-Israel relationship. Quigley, who has visited Israel five times, defended the alliance but criticized Netanyahu. Conroy called for ending U.S. military aid, accusing Israel of war crimes in Gaza. Corley went furthest, demanding the U.S. "declare war on Israel" and claiming pro-Israel lobbying groups have undue political influence.

  • The candidates' forum took place on Saturday in Barrington, Illinois.

The players

Mike Quigley

A 10-term Democratic U.S. Representative for Illinois' 5th Congressional District who is also planning to run for Chicago mayor next year.

Matthew Conroy

A Democratic challenger to Quigley in the 5th District primary who called for ending U.S. military aid to Israel, accusing the country of war crimes.

Ellen Corley

A Democratic challenger to Quigley in the 5th District primary who demanded the U.S. "declare war on Israel" and claimed pro-Israel lobbying groups have undue political influence.

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What they’re saying

“I equate Netanyahu with (President Donald) Trump in most matters”

— Mike Quigley, U.S. Representative (dailyherald.com)

“We should not be complicit in war crimes and a genocide. If we consider someone to be an ally, then we have to hold them to the standards that we would hold our own leaders to.”

— Matthew Conroy, Democratic Challenger (dailyherald.com)

“I think we need to declare war on Israel. Israel is the enemy.”

— Ellen Corley, Democratic Challenger (dailyherald.com)

What’s next

The Illinois 5th Congressional District Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 2026.

The takeaway

The candidates' divergent stances on U.S. relations with Israel highlight a growing divide within the Democratic party over the issue, with some progressives taking a more critical stance toward Israel's policies, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.