Businessman Eric France Becomes Newest Candidate in High-Profile 2nd Congressional District Contest
Businessman Eric France launches his campaign to succeed Rep. Robin Kelly in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District. With a diverse field and redrawn map, the 2026 race is already heating up (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback).
This past Saturday, inside a cozy restaurant along the Little Calumet River, businessman Eric France launched his campaign for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District—one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 cycle.
France, who leads The France Group, a consulting firm founded by his late father, Erwin France, joins a growing field vying to succeed U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. Kelly is leaving the seat after seven terms to run for retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s seat.
In responding to a question from The Chicago Defender, France made his pitch clear.
“I know it sounds cliché, but I’m not a career politician,” said France, a South Side native now living in Lynwood. “I live a real life in the public sector, in the private sector, supporting candidates over the years, working in different administrations as a consultant… whether it was for profit or not for profit.”
France is one of six known contenders for the seat, some who have declared and a few who are contemplating a run. Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller has formed an exploratory committee. State Sen. Robert Peters, policy expert Adal Regis, and Matteson Village Clerk Yumeka Brown have declared their campaigns. Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin has also taken preliminary steps toward running.
State Sen. Robert Peters (D) and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (Photo Credits: Illinois General Assembly and Cook County Government).
Endorsements have already begun. Peters has the support of the Amalgamated Transit Union. Regis recently announced backing from CNN political analyst Van Jones, Richton Park Village Trustee Alan Banks, and Mickensy Ellis-White, former head of the Vermillion County Democrats.
Whoever wins will represent a district redrawn after the 2020 census to ensure no single demographic holds a majority. The new map stretches across eight counties—Cook, Kankakee, Vermillion, Will, Livingston, Iroquois, Champaign and Ford—covering 3,936 square miles and including a wide range of communities, from Chicago’s Kenwood neighborhood to Rantoul downstate.
“It’s one of the most expansive districts in the country,” said William F. Hall, a political science professor at Webster University who attended France’s kickoff. “I’m not aware of any district in the United States that probably covers, from end to end, a longer distance,” said Hall.
Hall believes the district has untapped economic potential in rail, shipping, and trade. He said it’s underperforming. “The economic development that could be generated if there was a concentrated focus on developing that area, which is so ripe, I think, would be a tremendous boon for the people of not just Illinois but certainly the people in Indiana and Michigan,” Hall said.
2nd Congressional District candidate Eric France (foreground), co-campaign manager Charles Smoot (background) (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback).
At the event, France outlined a platform focused on economic growth, affordable housing, education, and healthcare. He also pointed to his consulting work, which includes promoting minority purchasing programs and advancing housing initiatives.
Though this is his first run for office, politics runs in the family. His father, Erwin France, was a behind-the-scenes power player in Chicago’s political history, advising several mayors beginning in the 1960s.
“He certainly would be an ideal candidate from the demographic background,” Hall added. “I don’t know how one could grow up in a home headed by Dr. Erwin France and not pick up something about politics.”
France positioned his campaign as people-powered, grounded in equity, dignity, and hope.
“I’m running for Congress because I believe the people of the 2nd Congressional District deserve bold, compassionate and accountable leadership,” he said. “I’ve seen what happens when our communities are left behind—when schools go underfunded, when jobs disappear and when promise never turns into progress.”
“But I’ve also seen the strength of our people… I’ve seen single mothers make miracles happen. I’ve seen our people beat the odds.”
In a district that now spans urban corridors, suburban hubs, and rural farmland, candidates will be challenged to speak to vastly different needs—from South Shore to Champaign County.
Eric France with his family (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback).
France says he’s ready.
“This must be a district where not only can everyone survive, but everyone can thrive,” he said. “Not just in Cook County, but in Vermillion, Champaign, and every place in between.”
He closed with a message of change.
“When you want something different for yourself, you must move different,” France said. “Old keys don’t unlock new doors.”
The Democratic primary is in March 2026. The road to the nomination runs through one of the state’s most diverse—and contested—districts.