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The 40th Ward Democrats are proud to announce our contested primary endorsements for the 2026 Primary Election.

US Senate
Juliana Stratton

Juliana Stratton’s journey into politics is motivational, truly demonstrating that anyone with the grit and determination to run on issues that affect the lives of everyday people. Her work as Lieutenant Governor has given her a statewide perspective on Illinois voters and the complexities of each Illinois region, making her exceptionally suited to represent our collective struggles in the US Senate.

Julianna Stratton – julianastratton.com 

US Congress, 5th District
Mike Quigley

We like Mike! Mike Quigley has been a great public servant during a turbulent time in our nation’s history. You won’t find a more level-headed and community-focused legislator, one who continues to fight for Ukraine in the midst of the chaos. His staff is responsive, and he’s been a champion of getting funds directed into our communities at the federal level.

Mike Quigley – quigleyforcongress.com 

US Congress, 9th District
Daniel Biss

Facing the challenge of a 17-person race, our Executive Committee saved this decision for last. Candidates include our sitting State Rep. Hoan Hunyh and our sitting State Senators Mike Simmons and Laura Fine, as well as those who’ve supported our work at the 40th Ward Dems, like Bushra Amiwala. This made it very hard to come to a consensus.

But when you boil it down to electability, transparency, meeting the reality of this moment, and representing us well in the halls of Congress, Daniel Biss checks all the boxes. He has consistently stepped up when leadership mattered most. From taking on ICE and Director Gregory Bovino directly, to championing affordable housing even when it meant standing firm against opposition in his own Evanston community. And now, with the endorsement of outgoing Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Daniel Biss has earned our endorsement for US Congress.

Daniel Biss – danielbiss.com 

State Comptroller
Holly Kim

There is no other candidate more qualified for the job of the Chief Financial Officer for the state of Illinois. With Susana Mendoza not seeking re-election after 10 years of service, this position demands a competent, reliable public servant who understands the role of being an independent fiscal watchdog who will safeguard our private tax data and also understands where and how the money is spent across the state. As a two-term Treasurer in Lake County, Holly handles billions of dollars a year and has the life story to back up her life of public service.

Holly Kim – www.voteforhollykim.com 

Cook County President
Toni Preckwinkle

Under her leadership, Cook County has seen a world-renowned Universal Basic Income program, implementation of a cash-free bail system, zero property tax increases at the county level, and a yearly balanced budget that any Cook County resident can be proud of. Toni Preckwinkle, who brings decades of experience, is a shining example of a quality, qualified elected official who shares the vision of what it means to be a progressive who can get the work done.

Toni Preckwinkle – tonipreckwinkle.org 

County Assessor
Fritz Kaegi

A reformer at his core, Fritz Kaegi has made significant improvements to the Assessor’s office that often do not see the light of day. Between tech upgrades, taking on big corporations to pay their fair share, and expanding tax relief for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, Fritz never shies away from doing what’s right.

Fritz Kaegi – fritzforassessor.com 

State Senate, 6th District
Sara Feigenholtz

From championing women’s access to safe and affordable abortion care to advancing legislation for safer streets and more affordable neighborhoods, Sara Feigenholtz has the depth of experience this moment demands. Frankly, any legislator who makes a Republican governor expand Medicaid coverage for abortion services through legislation is exactly the kind of State Senator we need in today’s political climate. Sara doesn’t introduce bills for show. She anticipates the challenges ahead and legislates to protect us from them.

Sara Feigenholtz – www.sarafeigenholtz.com 

State Senate, 9th District
Patrick Hanley

Patrick Hanley is the epitome of who you want to see enter the State Senate. Kind, compassionate, and an organizer who gets things done for the greater good, Patrick has a knack for leading by example. His accessible approach to governing proves that effective leadership is built through trust, action, and community.

Patrick Hanley – hanleyforillinois.com 

State Representative, 13th District
James O’Brien

James O’Brien represents everything we aspire to have from a candidate who is from the 40th Ward. A true policy wonk, an Energy Policy & Climate lawyer, an accessible transportation and pedestrian safety enthusiast, and overall a quality constituent and member of the 40th Ward Dems, James was a no-brainer for us to support. He has a wide range of experience and the support to back up his campaign, too. We are 10 toes in for James because James is 10 toes in for us.

James O’Brien – jamesforillinois.com 

Board of Review, District 2
Liz Nicholson

Liz Nicholson stepped into this race because she felt like someone had to do it. A former government worker under Secretary of State Jesse White and two government agencies, Liz brings the right attitude to the position and an understanding of how government works for the people. She’s not a “make waves” kind of person, and her head down and focused approach to her work is applicable to this property tax appeal office. We believe she will be focused on bringing resources to the community and is poised to be a great on-the-job success story for this office.

Elizabeth “Liz” Nicholson —www.lizfor2.com 

MWRD Commissioners (pick three)
Precious Brady Davis
Eira Corral Sepúlveda
Beth McElroy Kirkwood

These three women work hard for the country’s water refuse management system and bring unique qualifications to the job. An often overlooked office, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has made significant changes under the leadership of incumbents Precious Brady Davis, who got to work the moment she stepped into the appointed-to-elected position, and Eira Corral Sepúlveda whose 15-year track record in government is a value add to the role. Newly appointed Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood brings her decade-long public service experience in the South Suburbs and hits the ground running.

Precious Brady Davis – preciousformwrd.com 

Eira Corral Sepulveda – eira4water.com 

Beth McElroy Kirkwood – mwrd.org/board-commissioners/beth-mcelroy-kirkwood 

Cook County Commissioner, 10th District
No Endorsement

Many constituents have little knowledge about what the position of commissioner does for the people. We have seen commissioners across the county use their platform to provide vital information about health care, the environment, and public safety and be a reliable, accessible public servant in a position that doesn’t always make headline news for the work that goes into it. Unfortunately, after welcoming the opportunity to engage with our sitting Commissioner, multiple attempts of outreach, invitations, and requests for callbacks continue to go unanswered.

By serving a No Endorsement, we encourage 40th Warders and any constituent within the 10th District to learn more about the candidates running for this office. Track records, experience, and a dedication to all constituents are important assessments prior to heading to the voting booth.

Bridget Gainer — bridgetgainer.com

Drake Warren — drakefor10.com 

Cook County Commissioner, 12th District
To Be Determined

The 40th Ward Dems originally endorsed Cat Sharp for this position, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Cat dropped out of the race at the beginning of 2026. We are currently evaluating the opportunity to endorse in this race.

An upcoming forum for the 12th District Commissioner position is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at 6:00 PM at J&M Tap at 957 N. Leavitt.. RSVP here.

Elizabeth Granato — elizabethforcookcounty.com 

José “Che-Che” Turrubiartez Wilson — votecheche.com 

Isaiah White — isaiahwhite.org 

Circuit Court Judges
Judge Michael Cabonargi
Luz Maria Toledo

Recently appointed to the bench, Michael Cabonargi is a quality public servant who’s a great asset to the judicial bench. His experience in leadership and crisis management during his time as US Senate Judiciary and the US Department of Health and Human Services under the Biden Administration gives him a unique perspective on how to hand hundreds of cases a week.

Michael Cabonargi – judgecabonargi.com 

Luz Maria Toledo came in a strong top 5 when we first met her months ago for our endorsement session back in June 2025. She has extensive trial experience as a Criminal Prosecutor, her lived experience growing up as a child of immigrants, attending Chicago Public Schools, and currently raising a child as a single mother shapes her focus on being an accessible judge for those who are in front of her.

Luz Maria Toledo – toledoforjudge.com 

Subcircuit Judge, 20th District
Jon Stromsta

Jon Stromsta has a deep commitment to justice and a proven record of public-interest work. He has spent his career defending the most vulnerable, expanding access to expungement, and upholding constitutional protections. When we think of Jon, we think of him as the “judge for all.”

Jon Stromsta – jon4judge.com