This Far South Side and south suburban seat is open thanks to the retirement of Rep. Nick Smith, who’s represented the district since 2018. Running are two Democrats, Aja Kearney, most recently district director for Illinois Rep. Marcus C. Evans Jr., and Cleopatra “Cleo” Cowley. Cowley is the mother of Hadiya Pendleton, who was tragically shot to death at age 15 in 2013 shortly after performing at Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Kearney is endorsed by CTU and is well to the left of us on the political spectrum. Cowley has an inspiring life story of activism following her daughter’s shocking death and, among other things, pushed for tougher penalties for those convicted of illegal gun possession. But she advocates, too, for more resources in neighborhoods where the conditions lead to lives of violence.
Cleo Cowley is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois primary election here.
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