3 Frontrunners Battle in Crowded Dem Primary for Illinois House Seat

Super PACs pour millions into race to replace Congresswoman Robin Kelly

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:21pm

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The Democratic primary race to replace outgoing Congresswoman Robin Kelly in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District features three leading candidates - former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and state Sen. Robert Peters. With millions in super PAC spending on the race, the candidates are working to reach last-minute voters ahead of the primary election on Friday.

Why it matters

This race to fill Kelly's seat is seen as a key battleground, with the winner favored to win the general election in November. The influx of super PAC money has raised concerns about the influence of outside money in the working-class, majority-Black district.

The details

The three frontrunners are touting their experience and ability to build consensus, with Jackson highlighting his past record, Miller emphasizing her role as a 'consensus builder', and Peters vowing to fight for working families. Super PACs like AIPAC, Think Big, and Fairshake are spending heavily on ads supporting or attacking the candidates. The candidates have pushed back on the outside influence, with Peters calling it a 'real concern' and Miller saying voters are more focused on local issues.

  • The Democratic primary election is this Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly is vacating the 2nd Congressional District seat to run for U.S. Senate.

The players

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Former Congressman who is running to reclaim the 2nd District seat.

Donna Miller

Cook County Commissioner who is positioning herself as a 'consensus builder' in the race.

Robert Peters

Illinois state Senator who is vowing to fight for working families in the district.

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What they’re saying

“This is one of the most working-class districts. People's health care is being cut. People are losing their housing. People are struggling every day. They want to see people in Congress fighting to make their lives easier. That is our jobs.”

— Robert Peters, Illinois state Senator (abc7chicago.com)

“Consensus builder; that's what I am. I know how to go across the aisle and have conversations. I'm not saying we're always going to agree, but we will have that conversation. I think that's what's missing right now in Washington. Nobody's talking to each other.”

— Donna Miller, Cook County Commissioner (abc7chicago.com)

“We've hid nothing about my past convictions. And so, voters who are voting for me in this race are solid voters, because they don't have any more questions.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr., Former Congressman (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election is this Friday, March 13, 2026. The winner will be favored to win the general election in November and fill the 2nd Congressional District seat.

The takeaway

This crowded primary race highlights the influence of outside money in local elections, with super PACs pouring millions into ads supporting or attacking the candidates. Voters in this working-class, majority-Black district will have to weigh the experience and policy positions of the three frontrunners as they choose Kelly's successor.