Sara Feigenholtz, 69, has represented the solidly Democratic 6th Senate District, which includes the liberal lakefront Chicago neighborhoods of Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Near North Side, since 2020, although she was elected to her first term as state representative of Illinois’ 12th District in 1994. She faces newcomer Nick Uniejewski, 29, in the Democratic primary.
Uniejewski worked most recently as a policy analyst for the city of Chicago before leaving to run for office full time. He clearly understands that one of the biggest issues in Chicago is housing. He told us he wants to do things like legalize coach houses to increase supply and start to chip away at costs, but he also wants to ask very basic questions such as: Why does it cost so much to build in the first place? To that end, he takes aim at “Illinois’ outdated construction and building codes, which unnecessarily drive up costs and limit what can be built.”
We like his sense of urgency and self-described willingness to challenge the status quo. Goodness knows that’s needed in Springfield. We also like his willingness to address the need for responsible cuts in the state budget to ensure the government is doing what it ought to do, going so far as to say “Illinois also cannot tax its way out of the pension crisis alone.” Hear, hear. Uniejewski strikes us as an “abundance progressive,” someone who holds a lot of left-leaning beliefs but also understands the importance of growth.
We endorsed Feigenholtz previously as someone who is in sync with her district, has a strong grasp of local issues and has effectively served the North Side, but we are also aware of past actions of which we weren’t so fond — Feigenholtz hasn’t been afraid to vote in favor of tax hikes, for example. We’ve also endorsed her Republican opponent in past general elections.
Affordability is the issue of this political moment, and achieving it here in Illinois will require a new approach. Uniejewski is to the left of this board on many issues, but his clear chops on housing, plus his energy and desire to bring change within his own party are much needed. We can see him making a difference in a stagnant Democratic Party.
Uniejewski is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois primary election here.
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