Democratic candidates for Illinois’ 5th Congressional District seat met Saturday at a public forum, each outlining their legislative priorities as they seek to unseat longtime incumbent Rep. Mike Quigley. The event was co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Palatine, Barrington and Schaumburg areas, the Barrington Area Library, and the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Mike Quigley, who has represented the district since 2009, faces three Democratic challengers: Matt Conroy, Ellen A. Corley and Anthony Michael Tamez. On the Republican side, Tom Hanson, Dr. Kimball Ladien and Barry Wicker are competing for a spot in November’s general election.
The district covers Chicago’s North Side and several northwest suburbs including Arlington Heights, Palatine, Des Plaines and Glenview. Quigley is recognized as an established figure in local politics; he recently announced plans to run for Chicago mayor in 2027. This announcement drew scrutiny during the forum when challenger Matt Conroy questioned whether Quigley’s focus on his congressional responsibilities might be affected by his mayoral ambitions.
Quigley responded by stressing his ongoing commitment to representing constituents but did not directly address concerns about divided attention. “In the city of Chicago alone, we’re probably 125,000 units of affordable housing short of what we need,” he said at the forum.
Quigley advocated for federal investment and zoning reforms to increase housing supply across income levels and linked these efforts with transit planning. He also spoke about broader cost-of-living challenges facing families: “When I got out of school, the average age someone bought their first house was 28. It’s 40 now because they come out of college or trade school with too much debt.” Other issues highlighted by Quigley included health care access, climate policy initiatives, gun violence prevention and infrastructure investments.
Matt Conroy emphasized that housing affordability is central to his campaign: “Housing is the single largest monthly expense for most families, and the root problem is simple: We do not have enough homes,” he said. Conroy proposed expanding federal funding for new housing construction and streamlining permitting processes while allowing more modest-density developments such as four-flats on every lot.
He also addressed child care costs: “Full-time child care can cost families roughly $3,000 per month, forcing parents to leave the workforce or stretch themselves beyond their means,” he said. “Universal child care would deliver immediate relief and support early development.” Conroy underscored his independence from corporate PACs or lobbyists.
Ellen A. Corley focused her platform on government accountability: “The biggest challenge facing our country is that Congress is not fighting and investigating corruption,” she said during the event. Corley called for stronger oversight of executive orders and congressional committees to prevent abuses of power.
Her proposals include implementing Medicare for All funded through closing tax loopholes related to carried interest and algorithmic trades; ending cash bail; abolishing private prisons; shifting funds from militarized policing toward restorative justice programs; election reform; increased transparency; and ending U.S. involvement in ongoing foreign conflicts.
Anthony Michael Tamez did not attend Saturday’s forum but serves on Chicago Police’s 17th District Council where he works on community policing policies.
Illinois’ Primary Election Day is March 17.
