Politics in Chicago has always been challenging—and at times exhilarating—as candidates line up, make their case, debate, hold forums, and run the best — and most — TV commercials to test the strength of our democracy. But the 2026 midterm elections are different. They are not routine. They are critical. The stakes are nothing less than the future of America’s democracy.
Across the country, we are watching democratic norms erode in real time. We see an aggressive centralization of power, the normalization of authoritarian rhetoric, and policies that echo some of the darkest chapters in global history. Proposals to convert warehouses into immigrant holding centers demand that we remember America’s own shameful internment of Japanese Americans—and Germany’s descent into unspeakable atrocities. History does not repeat itself exactly, but it often rhymes. Ignoring those echoes is dangerous.
Donald Trump is the ‘John Wayne of Politics‘ and the ‘Grand Dragon of the Dixiecrats‘. The most powerful man in the world is extremely racist and blatantly offensive, as he refers to the Obamas as apes. Such offense speaks of the Jim Crow era of yesteryear, never ever to return to America, the land of equal opportunity.
We watch as political branding overtakes civic institutions, as public spaces are reshaped to reflect personal legacy rather than democratic tradition, and as transactional politics—where money buys naming rights, influence, and silence—becomes increasingly normalized. We hear talk of “nationalizing” elections under the guise of efficiency, when the real goal appears to be guaranteeing partisan outcomes. This is not reform. This is control. We even see Epstein’s girlfriend play “Let’s Make a Deal” from the jailhouse as she can reflect on the rich, powerful white males as they played with little girls on Epstein’s Island and in his New York mansion.
We see the administration erase the history and culture of African Americans. We see the persistent insult of people of color, including the Puerto Rican superstar, Bad Bunny. Be clear, this midterm election is about power and republican control. Trump said it well, “if the Democrats win the midterms, they might impeach me“.
And now, that national threat arrives squarely at Chicago’s doorstep.
The Chicago Tribune, the city’s only major daily newspaper, still endorses political candidates. So, in the City of Chicago, the City with broad shoulders, has one major newspaper to endorse. They continue to wield enormous influence—particularly in shaping narratives that affect Black and Brown communities. They are the solo endorsers. That power demands responsibility. Yet its 2026 endorsements raise serious questions about judgment, priorities, and whose interests are truly being served.
Take the Cook County Board race. Toni Preckwinkle faces Alderman Brendan Reilly, whom the Tribune has endorsed. Reilly has accepted funding tied to Trump-aligned donors. Preckwinkle has not. She is not a perfect leader, but her campaign coffers are free of Trump persuasion. More troubling is Reilly’s absence. Where has he been in Black and Brown communities? Where does he campaign? Or is his campaign for the media exclusively? Has he traveled the county of Cook? Leadership is not theoretical; it requires presence. Representation means showing up. Clearly, this says that Reilly will not represent the entire county, but only maybe selected parts.
Then there is the Seventh Congressional District. The Tribune endorsed Dr. Thomas Fisher, an accomplished physician from the University of Chicago. Medicine is an honorable calling; Congress is not a hospital. At this moment in American history, we do not need a doctor in Congress—we need a legislator. And we don’t need a legislator in the operating room.
The Tribune praised Fisher’s “fire in his belly,” yet inexplicably ignored the proven fire, passion, and deep legislative experience of La Shawn Ford, a longtime (19 years) Illinois State Representative. They ignored his record of passing approximately 117 bills, representing some of Illinois’ most impactful legislation. They ignored his leadership on justice and equity. They ignored his endorsement by Congressman Danny K. Davis, who has served with distinction for three decades. That omission was not accidental—it was dismissive as they state who Fisher’s donors are, the fine gentlemen, Nesbitt and Daley. I know them both and have worked with them on campaigns, but really, the doctor has no political credentials, I say, strongly, he is not ready for the congressional seat. Compared to what, I ask. Mr. Nesbitt and Mr. Daley.
We’ve seen this movie before. Years ago, during the backroom maneuvering to replace Barack Obama’s Senate seat, the phrase “least offensive” was used to justify bypassing more qualified Black leadership. The possible candidates were Valerie Jarrett, Jesse Jackson, Jr. Emile Jones, Jesse White, and, with laughter even, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. The thinking here was a good pick to “cover the African American thing,” so said now. Governor JB Pritzker to then Governor Rod Blagojevich. La Shawn Ford is the opposite of “least offensive.” He listens. He challenges. He legislates. That makes him a threat to the status quo. Tribune, how did you ignore his legislative record in your candidate summary?
The choice here is simple: symbolism or substance. Credentials or connections. A résumé built in communities—or one built in hospital rooms. I chose the experienced legislator.
Finally, in the Second Congressional District, The Tribune endorsed Commissioner Donna Miller while failing to fully interrogate her acceptance of Trump-linked campaign dollars and the pass-through of AIPAC dollars. —funds that have fueled a barrage of television ads. The question voters must ask is straightforward: Who will she represent? The people of the district—or the interests attached to that money? The second congressional district deserves REAL representation. The Tribune’s endorsement process is flawed. All the candidates were invited to the editorial board meeting, but only the men attended. So, then Miller was given a private Zoom session. Really. Not fair. The sole purpose is for the candidates to appear together and interact. The 2nd Congressional District campaign just changed. The AI Pac, “Leading the Future,” just committed 7 figures to Jackson. His campaign becomes competitive with Donald Trump donors. The Second deserves a ‘free” congressman, not a bought one. In the final days of the campaign, we will watch the battle of the commercials as the people’s choice is made.
For 17 years, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. represented that district and delivered nearly a billion dollars in federal resources. He never missed a vote. His legislative record was strong and substantive. Yes, he made serious mistakes, paid a heavy price, and served time. That chapter is real and painful. But history, accountability, and redemption are also part of the American story—and voters deserve honest context, not selective memory. While his name is of consequence, so is his past congressional record of proven legislation. It is proporous to hold Jesse Jr’s history as we consider moving forward with America’s most racist and notorious President. Jesse’s civil rights sensibility is valuable at this time. It’s time to move forward and upward.
Something sinister is happening in the Black community. Black women candidates are being pitted against Black male representation. It has been said by these forces that Black women are easier to deal with. For the reasons of a lack of political experience and the willingness to compromise and follow a prepared script. And most of all, the fact that Black women vote. So, the Trump patrons and the AIPAC pass-throughs go to the Black women’s campaigns for upward marketing. The outside influence in our community is real, with voters being treated like puppets by others.
Remember the Mel Reynolds and Gus Savage election of 1992 in the 2nd Congressional District. Reynolds was a political novice, a Rhodes Scholar, and a good presenter. The late Gus Savage was the incumbent, an accomplished Congressman, a former newspaper publisher. Intruders, outsiders, the same AIPAC crowd funneled money to Reynolds against Savage to win the race. Congressman Reynolds was a disgrace and a disaster. He was disappointing, and it was even learned that he was a possible pedophile. Money won the election for Reynolds. The residents of the second were puppets of foreign political interests. The Black community was manipulated, indeed.
Hopefully, in the 2026 election, the backroom dealings and manipulations are dismissed, and people vote for the candidates of their choice with conviction and real representation for the district. These midterms are not just about candidates. They are about power. About who controls the narrative. About whether endorsements illuminate truth—or obscure it.
Chicago has always been a proving ground for democracy. In 2026, it may also be a firewall. Voters must look beyond headlines, question the motivations behind endorsements, and choose leaders who will defend democracy—not bargain it away.
The future is waiting. History is watching. And Chicago must decide on real representation for its future.
VOTE.
