Candidates Clash Over Who Can Flip Illinois District 52 for Democrats

Two Democrats vie to unseat Republican incumbent in key state House race

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Two Democratic candidates, Erin Chan Ding and Maria Peterson, are competing in the primary election for the Illinois 52nd state House seat. While they share similar policy positions, they disagree on which of them is best positioned to defeat the Republican incumbent, Martin McLaughlin, in the general election.

Why it matters

The 52nd district has historically leaned Republican, but Democrats see an opportunity to flip the seat in 2026. The outcome of this race could impact the balance of power in the state legislature.

The details

During a candidate forum, Chan Ding touted her experience winning two elections for the Barrington Area Unit District 220 school board, while Peterson pointed to her narrow losses against McLaughlin in 2024 and Republican Dan McConchie in a 2018 state Senate race. Both candidates support measures like independent redistricting and tougher regulation of insurance companies, but they disagree on which one is better equipped to turn the district blue.

  • The Democratic primary election will be held on March 17, 2026.
  • The general election against the Republican incumbent is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Erin Chan Ding

A Democratic candidate for the Illinois 52nd state House seat who has won two elections for the Barrington Area Unit District 220 school board.

Maria Peterson

A Democratic candidate for the Illinois 52nd state House seat who narrowly lost to the Republican incumbent in 2024 and also ran for the Lake County Board in 2018.

Martin McLaughlin

The Republican incumbent for the Illinois 52nd state House seat.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that the district should have flipped then (in November 2024). There's going to be even more chance for us to flip it now. We just need the right Democrat to do it.”

— Erin Chan Ding (shawlocal.com)

“It is my three races that have proven that I do the work. I have built the relationships, and I have turned this district from a double-digit red district to purple.”

— Maria Peterson (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

The winner of the March 17 Democratic primary will face the Republican incumbent, Martin McLaughlin, in the November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing battle for control of the Illinois state legislature, with Democrats hoping to flip a historically Republican-leaning district. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Springfield.