The 2nd District runs south from Kenwood through the South Side and into the south suburbs. Although dominated by residents of Cook County, the reliably Democratic 2nd includes parts of Kankakee, Vermillion and Livingston counties.
The primary-season battle to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly was intense and we remarked in our endorsement that the Democratic side of the ticket offered a phenomenal display of Black leadership talent. Our choice was Donna Miller; voters, happily, agreed with us, bypassing the famous name of Jesse Jackson Jr., among others. The son of the late civil rights leader represented this district from 1995 until 2012, when his life took a turn.
The Republicans have not mounted a serious challenge against Miller for this district and there was no Republican primary. On the ballot is Mike Noack, a 63-year-old trucker from Bonfield who says he has spent “32 years in Kankakee County watching the same broken promises while your property taxes climb, your healthcare costs more, and Washington couldn’t care less.” Noack has not been responsive, and his campaign materials feel rote.
We lament the lack of a credible candidate on the Republican side of the ticket but believe that Democrats made an excellent choice in Miller, 61, a Cook County commissioner. We find Miller reasoned and well-informed on matters of immigration and reproductive rights but also well aware of the problems of small businesses, of which there are many in this district. She also spoke to us about the burden of Illinois’ high property taxes on families, not something other Democratic candidates have emphasized.
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Donna Miller is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
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