Illinois’ 14th state Senate district has three Democratic primary candidates, including incumbent Emil Jones III, 47, who in December, agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement that will allow him to avoid a retrial and, if he complies with its terms, result in the dismissal of three federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud and lying to the FBI. Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022 called on Jones to resign.
He faces two challengers in Ahmed Karrar and Kenneth Williams, who hope to take over representing a district that covers much of the south suburbs, including all or parts of Dolton, Blue Island and Tinley Park.
Karrar is a lawyer who speaks passionately about his desire to fight on behalf of district residents and to champion a progressive agenda in Springfield. He signaled to us that he would be open to the state of Illinois bailing out Chicago in some capacity. We disliked his desire to pursue a graduated income tax and millionaire’s tax, but we did appreciate that he acknowledged to us that “disciplined budgets and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars should always be a priority.” We also respect that Karrar was out campaigning and knocking on doors in the cold and snow, displaying energy and excitement at the prospect of serving this district.
Williams is a small business owner who opened Silk N Classy Trends in Riverdale in 1991 and later founded a beauty school. He served as school board president in Thornton Township High School District 205 but was removed because of a 1985 forgery conviction in Indiana, which he later had expunged. He told the Daily Southtown he intends to fight to change state laws that prevent people convicted of felonies from holding office.
“Why do you have it where a federal position, you can have 34 felonies, but a little man like me with one, that happened when I was 19, you want to keep me from supporting my people?” he said.
He makes a fair point.
While Karrar is hardly the kind of moderate Democrat we prefer, we believe his optimism and genuine enthusiasm for the job could do some good in Springfield.
Karrar is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois primary election here.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
