Liz Bishop Endorsed for Illinois 76th House District Republican Primary

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board believes Bishop is the right choice to curb Democratic excesses.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Liz Bishop, a 65-year-old retired bank examiner, in the Republican primary for the 76th District of the Illinois House of Representatives. The district includes DeKalb, home to Northern Illinois University, and surrounding communities. Bishop is seen as a moderate Republican who can work across the aisle, in contrast to her opponent Crystal Loughran, a 63-year-old teacher and tutor who has challenged Bishop before from the right.

Why it matters

The 76th District seat is currently held by a first-term Democrat, Amy Briel, who defeated Bishop in 2024 by less than 600 votes. Republican leadership hopes that Bishop can win back the seat, and the Editorial Board believes her moderate positions and ability to work with Democrats make her the best choice to "curb Democratic excesses" in the state legislature.

The details

Bishop is touting her plans to lower the overall tax burden in Illinois in order to attract new businesses and expand the tax base, as well as her support for legislation to address healthcare disparities in the state. The Editorial Board sees her as a candidate who can "work across the aisle" and be a voice of moderation in the Republican caucus.

  • The Illinois primary election will be held in 2026.

The players

Liz Bishop

A 65-year-old retired bank examiner running as a moderate Republican candidate for the Illinois 76th House District.

Crystal Loughran

A 63-year-old teacher and tutor running against Bishop in the Republican primary, from a more conservative position.

Amy Briel

The first-term Democratic incumbent who currently holds the 76th District seat, having defeated Bishop in 2024 by less than 600 votes.

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What they’re saying

“By lowering the overall tax burden, we can attract new job creators, expand the tax base, and collect more taxes from a larger group of taxpayers. Most importantly, this would create more opportunities for our children once they enter the workforce, instead of driving them away to other states with more to offer.”

— Liz Bishop (Chicago Tribune)

“I would support legislation to address the issues with health care disparities in Illinois, and I would fight to ensure each family can rely on nearby quality care for emergency services, routine care, and everything in between.”

— Liz Bishop (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Illinois primary election will be held in 2026, where Bishop will face off against Loughran for the Republican nomination in the 76th District.

The takeaway

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board believes that Liz Bishop, a moderate Republican, is the best choice to represent the GOP in the 76th District race. Her ability to work across the aisle and her policy positions on taxes and healthcare make her a viable candidate to potentially win back the seat from the Democratic incumbent.