Endorsement: Syed for Illinois Senate District 26

Voters have strong candidates to choose from in the races for state Senator in District 26, along with state representatives in Illinois House Districts 51 and 52 that it comprises.

In Senate District 26, Democrat Nabeela Syed’s General Assembly experience sets her apart. We endorsed Syed for House District 51 in 2024 after her first term demonstrated a strong command of state issues. Since then, she has continued to focus on education funding, senior property-tax relief, health care and data-center safeguards. Republican incumbent Darby Hills combines her legislative record with her background as a former prosecutor, focusing her platform on spending restraint, property taxes and criminal justice. Hills was appointed to the Senate seat in February 2025 after Dan McConchie’s resignation. Syed’s legislative record and engagement on a broad range of issues appeals to us once again. Syed is endorsed.

Senate District 26 is largely situated in southern Lake County with dips into eastern Kane and northwestern Cook counties.