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Harvey Today
By the People, for the People
Meet the Cook County 5th District Candidates: Kiana Belcher, Kisha McCaskill
The profiles of the two candidates running for the Cook County 5th District seat
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The Cook County 5th District race features two candidates, Kiana Belcher and Kisha McCaskill, who have provided profiles outlining their experience, policy priorities, and plans for serving constituents. Belcher is a current trustee for the Village of Dolton and holds a Master's in Political Science, while McCaskill is the incumbent 5th District commissioner with a background in public service and community leadership.
Why it matters
The Cook County 5th District encompasses several communities in the Southland region, making the election of its commissioner an important decision for local residents. The candidates' platforms focus on key issues like healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and community engagement, which are critical to the district's future.
The details
Kiana Belcher touts her experience as a trusted local leader, currently serving her second term as a trustee for the Village of Dolton. She holds a Master's degree in Political Science and works in finance, helping small businesses succeed. Belcher's policy priorities center on improving healthcare accessibility, strengthening transportation and housing resources, and collaborating with other governmental entities. Incumbent Kisha McCaskill highlights her record of advancing over 300 policies as 5th District commissioner, focusing on healthcare, housing, infrastructure, and investment in the Southland region. A Harvey native and homeowner, McCaskill has dual doctorates and experience managing multi-million dollar budgets. Her priorities include property tax reform, public safety and justice reform, affordable healthcare, and infrastructure/economic development.
- The Cook County 5th District election will take place on November 5, 2026.
The players
Kiana Belcher
A current trustee for the Village of Dolton and holds a Master's Degree in Political Science, working in finance to support small businesses.
Kisha McCaskill
The incumbent 5th District commissioner, a Harvey native and homeowner with dual doctorates who has advanced over 300 policies during her tenure.
What they’re saying
“I believe that residents should vote for me because they have seen that I don't mind speaking up for residents and making sure that the representation is what they deserve.”
— Kiana Belcher (hfchronicle.com)
“I am a proven servant leader grounded in faith, family, and community, committed to listening first and leading with integrity. I am not beholden to any entity, allowing me to act solely in the best interest of our communities.”
— Kisha McCaskill, 5th District Commissioner (hfchronicle.com)
What’s next
Voters in the Cook County 5th District will have the opportunity to choose between Kiana Belcher and Kisha McCaskill in the November 5, 2026 election.
The takeaway
The Cook County 5th District race features two candidates with distinct backgrounds and policy priorities, underscoring the importance of local elections in shaping the future of communities in the Southland region.
