2026 Midterms · U.S. House · Illinois Safe
Illinois — 5th District
Democratic
Mike Quigley
Incumbent
Republican
Tom Hanson
Incumbent Democrat Mike Quigley faces Republican challenger Tom Hanson in the general election for Illinois' 5th Congressional District on November 3, 2026, following primary victories on March 17, 2026. Major nonpartisan race raters including The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill evaluate the seat as Solid/Safe Democratic. Quigley, who has represented the district since 2009, emphasizes his senior committee assignments, government reform, infrastructure investments, and progressive voting record. Hanson, a self-employed commercial real estate professional making another challenge for the seat, campaigns on reducing federal spending, lowering taxes, backing law enforcement to curb Chicago crime, and securing the border.
Economy, taxes, and federal spending
high salienceHanson advocates replacing individual income taxes with corporate taxes and halting money printing to curb inflation, whereas Quigley favors targeted bipartisan deficit reduction, eliminating corporate tax loopholes, and investing federal funds in infrastructure.
Crime and public safety
high salienceHanson emphasizes mandatory detention for violent criminals, ending bail reductions, and fully backing law enforcement, while Quigley prioritizes strict gun control laws, domestic violence programs, and criminal justice reform.
Immigration and border security
high salienceHanson advocates strict border security and limiting ICE operations to states that request them, whereas Quigley supports comprehensive reform with pathways to citizenship and protections for undocumented immigrants.
Abortion and reproductive rights
medium salienceHanson opposes abortion and identifies as pro-life, while Quigley advocates codifying federal abortion rights and repealing the Hyde Amendment.
Government reform, ethics, and transparency
medium salienceHanson seeks to limit federal authority through Tenth Amendment enforcement, while Quigley focuses on legislative transparency, earmark bans, and ethics oversight.
Environment and energy
medium salienceHanson focuses on lowering consumer energy costs by eliminating gas taxes, whereas Quigley advocates green building standards, Great Lakes conservation, and opposing fossil fuel deregulation.
Healthcare
medium salienceHanson favors free-market competition to lower insurance costs, while Quigley supports defending and expanding the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Civil rights and LGBTQ+ equality
low salienceHanson describes himself as socially liberal while prioritizing family unit structures, whereas Quigley actively sponsors LGBTQ+ equality legislation and co-chairs the equality caucus.