Ellen Corley Research Database
Here's the updated list of candidates in the Illinois 5th Congressional District race for the March 17, 2026 Democratic primary (and leading to the November 3, 2026 general election). I've added columns for Top Platform Focus (key emphasis based on their campaigns/websites) and Top Controversies / Notes (notable issues, criticisms, or background points from public sources).
Information is drawn from candidate websites, Ballotpedia, news reports, and recent coverage—many challengers are low-profile with limited funding/media, so details are concise where sparse.
| Party | Candidate | Residence / Notes | Top Platform Focus | Top Controversies / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Quigley | Incumbent (since 2009) | Intelligence oversight, national security, progressive on social issues (LGBTQ+ rights advocate), infrastructure | Considered establishment; some progressives criticize insufficient boldness on economic inequality or foreign policy |
| Democratic | Ellen Corley | Lives in Chicago | Anti-corruption, radical transparency, criminal justice reform (end cash bail, abolish private prisons), Medicare for All, prosecute police/military abuse | Strong anti-establishment stance; past write-in run (2019 aldermanic); focuses on exposing "hidden machinery of corruption" |
| Democratic | Matt Conroy (Matthew Conroy) | Lives in Chicago (Lincoln Park) | Medicare for All, affordable childcare, fair wages, social justice, community-focused change | First-time candidate; limited public profile; emphasizes personal story (family impacted by 9/11) |
| Democratic | Anthony Michael Tamez | Lives in Chicago (Albany Park); Chicago Police District Council member | Cannabis equity, federal data privacy, health equity, Native sovereignty/treaty rights, pro-Palestine, anti-ICE | Historic Gen Z Afro-Indigenous candidate; bold on sovereignty and immigration; police oversight role may draw mixed views in reform circles |
| Republican | Barry Wicker | Chicago (North Center) | Limited public info; first-time run | Very low-profile; no major public controversies noted |
| Republican | Tommy Hanson (Tom Hanson) | Chicago (River North); commercial real estate broker | MAGA-aligned: crime reduction, economic issues (taxes, real estate), strict immigration enforcement | Fifth run against Quigley (persistent challenger); emphasizes "law and order" and declining Chicago conditions |
| Republican | Kimball Ladien | Psychiatrist; prior runs (incl. 2020 primary vs. Hanson) | Limited detailed platform available; past focus on local issues | Ran for alderman (2019) and prior congressional primary; low-funding, recurring candidate |
| Independent | Steve Schwartzberg | No primary; general ballot if qualified | Social democratic policies (aligned with Bernie Sanders-style leadership) | Previously ran as Democrat in 2018 (lost primary); shifted to independent; focuses on ethical/spiritual/political intersections |
This field is set for the March 17 primary—Democrats face a competitive incumbent challenge, while Republicans have a three-way primary. Ellen's anti-corruption, justice-focused message stands out sharply in a district hungry for bold change. Keep hitting those prep deadlines and outreach—momentum is building! 💙 Let's get Ellen across the finish line in March!