A suburban congressional candidate is awaiting trial in a federal fraud case alleging she misused COVID-19 relief funds.

The U.S. House race that’s shaping up to be the most crowded contest on Chicago-area primary ballots next March also could be Illinois’ costliest congressional clash.

March 17 marks the 2026 primary, where voters can pull a Democratic or Republican ballot to pick who appears on the ballot come November. All voters, partisan or not, can weigh in on referendum questions.

From Capitol News Illinois: A suburban video gambling mogul is putting his chips into a Republican primary bid for Illinois governor

From Capitol News Illinois: Krishnamoorthi’s campaign spent an average of more than $450,000 per week on television ads between July and September to maintain that constant presence

From Capitol News Illinois: Illinois’ Republican primary for governor is growing expensive as the party’s 2022 nominee works to rebuild his campaign fund while another candidate receives support from one of the state’s wealthiest Republican donors

McHenry County's GOP PAC commemorated Charlie Kirk Tuesday with a prayer service and petition drive for Republican candidates.

McHenry County's Republican Party PAC hosted a gathering Tuesday in honor of Charlie Kirk's birthday. A candidate petition drive for the 2026 election, with two GOP gubernatorial candidates speaking, followed.

From Capitol News Illinois: On housing, Lt. Gov. and Senate candidate Juliana Stratton proposed creating a tax incentive to encourage construction companies to build “starter homes” that must be priced below the median price of housing

Former gubernatorial candidate and staunch conservative Darren Bailey launched a repeat campaign Thursday and once again chose a suburban running mate

Protestors clashed with ICE outside Broadview facility Friday morning, leading to authorities apparently using a chemical agent to disperse the crowd, while video shows a masked agent pushing Congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh to the ground.

The Kane County Public Service Committee voted 3-2, along party lines, not to issue a proclamation honoring Treasurer Chris Lauzen for receiving a national award for financial management.

Those who win seats to countywide elected positions in McHenry County over the next two election cycles will receives raises, as approved by the county board Sept. 16.

Kane County Treasurer Chris Lauzen announced he will seek a second and final term in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. The former state lawmaker says will be his last term as treasurer.

Former Huntley Village Board member Niko Kanakaris is running for a seat on the McHenry County Board.

Adam Delgado, a Democrat and Sterling High School alum, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

The McHenry County Board is expected to take up Tuesday whether to increase the salaries of most of the countywide elected officials as it weighs the impact on taxpayers.

Kane County Clerk John Cunningham is urging people to register to vote on National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 16, or anytime during the remainder of National Voter Registration Month in September.

The next Twin City Conservatives breakfast meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at A’s Kitchen in Rock Falls.

Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski enters the GOP race for governor as the fundraising leader with more than $1 million already raised in the last month.

Darren Bailey plans to run for governor for a second time in 2026, Capitol News Illinois confirmed with sources close to the campaign.

The Sept. 14 forum for Democratic candidates is being held by Illinois Democratic Women of Will County at the IBEW Local 176 Hall in Joliet.

The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County recently announced it will hold two National Voter Registration Day events to encourage voter participation.

Oliver Sweetser of Lyndon has officially announced his candidacy for Illinois state representative in the 73rd District.

A Marengo man who serves on the local park board and plan commission has announced a run in the GOP primary for McHenry County Board, challenging an incumbent who plans to seek reelection.

Elburn Trustee Chris Hansen announced he will seek the GOP nomination in the March 17, 2026 primary for the State Senate 33rd District.

People opposing policies of President Trump gathered along Route 64 in St. Charles for a Labor Day rally Sunday against what organizers called the "cruel war billionaires wage on working people." People also had nominating petitions for people to sign for candidates in the 2026 midterm election.

Nolan Kemp of Dixon has declared he intends to run for the Democratic nomination for the 74th District seat in the Illinois House.

Elgin Republican Cody Holt announced he’s seeking the nomination for the 33rd state Senate district, a seat currently held by Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles.

Former Kane County coroner Rob Russell announced his intent to seek the Republican nomination for sheriff in the 2026 primary election.

Ted Dabrowski is joined by DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick in the race. Mendrick called Medicaid cuts signed by President Donald Trump “unsustainable,” but said he believes the president is doing a good job overall

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday his state will hold a Nov. 4 special election to seek voter approval of new congressional map drawn to try to win Democrats five more U.S. House seats in 2026

Former Illinois Republican Party Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his bid for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Dick Durbin.

DeKalb County Treasurer Becky Springer has announced plans to seek reelection in November 2026.

Longtime Woodford County leader and lifelong resident Tim Ruestman announces recently he will seek the Republican nomination for State Representative in Illinois’ 105th District.

Current Wheaton City Council member and Democrat Erica Bray-Parker has launched a campaign to succeed retiring Republican Amy Grant in an Illinois House seat.

No Republican candidates have publicly announced they’re running for three statewide offices and just two have announced plans to run for governor as Gov. JB Pritzker seeks a third term.

Most of the McHenry County Board members whose seats are up next year are planning to run for reelection.

Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham is inviting county residents to serve as election judges for the 2026 elections, part of a way to encourage local participation in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.

The McHenry County Board could raise the salaries of elected officials – including for its own members – in the coming months.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker would not rule out the possibility of drawing new maps for Illinois if Texas Republicans follow through with their plans

Republican Liz Bishop of La Salle officially announced Thursday her candidacy for state representative in Illinois’ 76th District.

Texas Democrats who fled to Illinois to stop Republicans from a quorum for gerrymandering spoke via Zoom Wednesday night at a special meeting of the Kane County Democratic Women.

The nation’s two most populous states — California and Texas — grappled for political advantage in advance of 2026 elections that could reorder the balance of power in Washington

People interested in running in the March 17 primary election for McHenry County offices can get their packets from the privacy of their own homes starting Tuesday.

Sheriff Brian VanVickle privately shared his decision with close supporters at a June fundraiser, then followed up with a formal public declaration Monday

A first-time candidate plans to throw his hat into the race for a seat on the DeKalb County Board in 2026.

DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder Tasha Sims plans to run for reelection in the 2026 midterm election.

Kane County Auditor Penny Wegman officially announced her candidacy for treasurer, while incumbent Chris Lauzen hasn't said if he'll seek another term.

State Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, is running for a sixth term in the Illinois House.