Quigley Wins Reelection to Illinois’ 5th District
Quigley secured another term representing Illinois’ 5th Congressional District, where he has served since 2009. The Associated Press called the race at 8:09 p.m., with 38.7 percent of the vote counted; Quigley had 74.8 percent at that point. The district covers a large portion of Chicago’s North Side and reaches into nearby northwestern suburbs, and is a longtime Democratic stronghold.
Quigley’s congressional win comes as he seeks a second office, running to challenge Mayor Brandon Johnson in February. He formally launched his mayoral campaign in June and is among several Democrats competing for the job.
Before polls closed, Quigley said he had spent Election Day visiting Truman College, volunteering at a food pantry and contacting political allies. He said he was watching the wider contest and thought Democrats had a realistic chance of winning back the House. He described the election as a public judgment on President Donald Trump’s second administration, including its effects on household finances, foreign policy and trade.
The overlapping campaigns have prompted questions about how Quigley will manage his congressional duties and what would happen to his seat if he becomes mayor. He has argued that issues such as housing affordability connect the two roles, and has proposed 50,000 new housing units over four years.
Quigley has also criticized Johnson’s proposed corporate head tax, saying it could deter businesses, and has called for difficult decisions on Chicago’s finances. He said the mayor did not create the city’s problems but would not be the person to resolve them.
Quigley’s Win Adds to Democrats’ Hope of Taking the House
Democrat Mike Quigley won another term in Congress on November 3, keeping a longtime Democratic seat as he looks toward a mayoral campaign focused on issues that reach beyond City Hall. The Associated Press called the race at 8:09 p.m.; with 38.7 percent of votes counted, Quigley had 74.8 percent against Republican Tommy Hanson.
Quigley said voters were judging President Donald Trump’s second term, including its impact on household finances and the effects of the administration’s choices on diplomacy and commerce. He also saw a realistic path for Democrats to win back the House, though he said the Senate races were less certain.
His reelection comes alongside his bid to challenge Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in February. Quigley has argued that the two campaigns address connected concerns, especially housing affordability, and has proposed building 50,000 new units in four years. The district includes much of Chicago’s North Side and nearby suburbs.
Quigley has criticized Johnson’s proposed corporate head tax and argued that the levy might make companies less inclined to do business in Chicago. He has also called for difficult choices over city finances. In his view, the mayor did not create Chicago’s problems, but will not be the one to solve them.
The win secures Quigley’s congressional seat as he continues his mayoral campaign. Questions remain about how he would balance the roles and what would happen to the House seat if he wins City Hall.
Quigley Wins Safe House Seat While Pursuing Chicago Mayoralty
Mike Quigley has secured another term in a district described as a longtime Democratic stronghold, while also pursuing the Chicago mayor’s office. The Associated Press called the race at 8:09 p.m. With 38.7 percent of votes counted, Quigley had 74.8 percent against Republican Tommy Hanson.
The victory comes as Quigley campaigns to challenge Mayor Brandon Johnson in February. His two political bids raise questions about how he will balance congressional responsibilities with a citywide campaign, and what would happen to his House seat if he becomes mayor. Quigley has pointed to past Chicago congressmen who also sought the mayor’s office.
Quigley says housing affordability connects his federal and local agendas and has proposed 50,000 new homes over four years. But he has also strongly opposed Johnson’s suggested tax on corporations, warning the levy might make businesses less willing to operate in Chicago. His campaign has emphasized the city’s financial and operational problems, including pension obligations, and he has said Johnson will not be the one to get the city out of its difficulties.
Before polls closed, Quigley focused on the broader political landscape and said Democrats had a realistic chance to regain the House. He characterized the election as a public verdict on President Donald Trump’s second administration, including pocketbook concerns and the administration’s foreign policy and trade decisions.
Quigley’s reelection gives him another congressional term as he presses his mayoral bid. The overlapping campaigns leave voters to weigh his plans for Chicago against the demands of continuing to represent the district.
Reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Block Club Chicago.
