The Democratic Primary is March 17. In most of our races, there are no Republicans running—whoever wins the Democratic Primary will be our next representative. On paper, we have a Democratic supermajority in our city and state, but what we really need? We need to elect better Democrats. See our 44th Ward Progressive Voter Guide here.

Key dates:
March 1: Online voter registration ends, but voters may register in person at election authority and early voting sites

March 12: Deadline for online and posted applications to vote by mail; in-person requests for absentee ballots may be made through March 16

March 17: Polls open for Primary Election Day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Early voting begins right here in Lakeview on Monday, March 2 at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (814 W Nelson)! The site will be open 9:00am-6:00pm on weekdays, 9:00am-5:00pm on Saturdays, and 10:00am-4:00pm on Sundays, making it easy to cast your ballot on a schedule that works for you. Early voting is also available now downtown at the Supersite at 137 S State and at 69 W Washington, 6th Floor. You can find more information about locations, hours, and what to bring here.

A Chicago Public Schools teacher and U.S. Marine Corps veteran thinks he can be a viable candidate for the United States Senate without any corporate, PAC, or DNC backing? This is precisely why we endorse Kevin. He is the only candidate in this crowded field who is, in fact, completely independent. You can learn more about Kevin’s story and his platform from his campaign website.

U.S. Congress IL-D5 - Matt Conroy

Matt is a political outsider, and he is running a 100% grass-roots, independent campaign, which means no PAC, no large donors, no lobbyists, and no consultant gibberish and market tested messaging. Matt is the choice candidate in the IL D-5 race in the Girl I Guess progressive voter guide, and he is endorsed by other independent progressive organizations: TrackAIPAC, The Justice Coalition, Citizen’s Impeachment, Illinois Progressives Northside DFA, and counting.

Karina Villa is the only choice for the Illinois State Comptroller, no ifs thens or buts. She is the woman who was chasing ICE out of her neighborhood in high heels on her way to work. She is the progressive queen who doesn’t look over her shoulder when unapologetically standing with the Palestinian people right here in Chicago. You can learn more about her platform and her background here.

We are extremely happy to endorse Toni Preckwinkle for the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, one of the most powerful local executive positions, presiding over the governmental functions of the 2nd-largest County in the nation. Toni is the incumbent and we all sleep better at night, knowing that she is in charge vs yet another Republican pretending to be a Democrat, because that’s exactly who Brendan Reilly is.

Fritz Kaegi, unlike his opponent in this race, refused to bend the knee to the property tax appeal attorneys, real estate industry, Trump Tower lawyers and other moneyed interests that used to have direct access to gaming the old system to their advantage. Kaegi doesn’t take their money and he doesn’t do their bidding, and for that they want him out, and we want him to stay!

See Fritz Kaegi’s campaign site for more information on his platform and his work.

Drake Warren is running people over profits campaign focused on the people who keep this city running, renters, workers, caregivers, and small business owners. Drake’s platform prioritizes protecting healthcare access, restoring fairness to property taxation, lowering the cost of living, and standing up to federal overreach that harms local communities.

Nick’s background as a community organizer fighting for progressive causes, and his tireless gras-roots campaigning, knocking on 80,000+++ doors in the heat of the summer and freezing winter weather, crisscrossing the district on his bicycle, shows that he is not going to waste a minute of his time in Springfield, or play party machine politics.

Litcy Ludvic Kurisinkal stands out as the most progressive candidate in the Illinois House District 12 race. He brings years of progressive movement experience, organizing, policy research, and field work. Unlike all of her opponents, she is not compromised by PACs, large donors, or proximity to the status quo of Chicago corporate politics. A candidate we are excited to endorse and vote for! See Litcy’s campaign site for more on her platform and vision for her district.

Ridge is the youngest candidate int his race and his platform is progressive without ifs, thens and buts. It spans from affordability, to housing, addressing homelessness, public transportation, energy, immigration, education, LGBTQ rights, healthcare, big tech, election reform and progressive revenue. In this race, our vote is for Ridge. Check out Ridge’s campaign site and his social media for the latest updates.

Who are the 44th Ward Democrats? We didn’t know until the week-end before March 17th, 2026 primaries, when a text message blast came out directing ward residents to vote for the official list endorsed by them. Stay tuned for more on this no doubt fascinating story!