16th Congressional District
Paul Nolley
Paul Nolley is running against the current incumbent Darin LaHood (R).
Paul was born in Rockford to working-class parents who taught him the value of showing up, working hard, and doing right by your neighbors. He got his first job at 15, cooking and cleaning at a local racetrack— and he’s been working ever since. He's been a cook, cashier, cleaner, farmhand, and more.
Inspired by his mother, who finished college as Paul graduated from public high school, he went to Illinois State University, thanks to Pell grants, student loans and a steady job in a diner. In between classes and shifts in the kitchen, he interned for local nonprofits and even toured the country in his rock & roll band.
He then came back to his hometown and delivered for working families — raising record support for youth services, expanding homeownership, mentorship and literacy, restoring child care funding, and leading disaster relief planning.
Today, he serves as executive director of Project First Rate, where fights for strong blue-collar apprenticeship programs, responsible construction policies, and careers that put working people first. Paul's website is here.
Paul is a strong candidate, we hope everyone, even those not in his district will get behind Paul's campaign and help, financially, and as a volunteer.
17th Congressional District
Congressman Eric Sorenson (incumbent)
Most know Eric Sorensen as the "weatherman". He is seeking his third term in Congress. Eric Sorensen was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois.
He served communities across Central and Northwestern Illinois as a local TV meteorologist for over two decades, communicating life-saving information that impacted Illinoisans’ jobs, schools, farms, and safety. To Eric, being a meteorologist was about building trust and protecting his community.
In Congress, Sorensen still values being a trusted neighbor to the residents of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. He is focused on lowering costs for working families, creating sustainable jobs in Central and Northwestern Illinois, and supporting the family farms and rural communities that keep our economy moving forward.
Sorensen proudly represents Illinois farmers on the House Agriculture Committee. He was also appointed to the House Armed Services Committee for the 119th Congress, along with assignments to two critical subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Readiness and the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.
Learn more at Eric's Sorensens website here.
17th Congressional District
Montez Soliz
Montez Soliz, a Democrat from Rockford, filed to run against Sorensen in the 2026 primary election. Soliz said that he is running on three main points: "economic justice, health care and rights and building strong communities."
Learn more about Montez here.
