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Illinois 2026 › U.S. House IL-13

Illinois’ 13th Congressional District: who’s running on Nov. 3, 2026

2 candidates · Every summary links to its public source · Updated Oct 18, 2026

Summaries were compiled with AI assistance from public sources and are not independently verified. They may contain errors. Check the linked source.
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The candidates

Nikki Budzinski

Democratic · Incumbent

U.S. Representative for IL-13 since 2023; career in labor advocacy and state and federal government.

Jeff Wilson

Republican

Champaign County Board member; Navy nuclear-submarine veteran and retired nuclear engineer.

Where they stand, issue by issue

Cost of living

1 = More gov. support5 = More free market
Budzinski2/5

Voted against the 2025 reconciliation law (H.R. 1), citing Medicaid cuts; campaign focuses on lowering costs and supporting workers.

Wilson4/5

Supports lower taxes, less regulation and reduced federal spending to address affordability.

Health care

1 = Public option5 = Private choice
Budzinski2/5

Voted to extend enhanced ACA premium tax credits and opposed 2025 Medicaid cuts.

Wilson4/5

Opposes extending enhanced ACA subsidies; says states and individuals, not Washington, should carry most responsibility.

Immigration

1 = Expand pathways5 = Stricter limits
Budzinski2/5

Supports a path to citizenship for Dreamers and more Border Patrol staffing; voted against ICE/CBP funding lacking oversight.

Wilson4/5

Supports border security and ICE enforcement, opposes sanctuary policies, and backs faster legal naturalization and guest-worker reforms.

Abortion

1 = Protect access5 = Restrict access
Budzinski1/5

Cosponsored the Women's Health Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 12).

Wilson5/5

Opposes abortion from conception.

Taxes

1 = Fund programs5 = Cut taxes
Budzinski2/5

Voted against the 2025 tax law (H.R. 1), saying tax relief should go to working families rather than the wealthiest.

Wilson4/5

Supports lower taxes and backed the proposed tariff-funded $2,000 payments.

Crime & safety

1 = Reform-focused5 = Enforcement-focused
Budzinski3/5

Opposes defunding police and supports federal grants for local departments, community policing and mental-health response.

Wilson4/5

Lists crime as a top concern and pledges to support law enforcement.

Education

1 = More public funding5 = More school choice
Budzinski2/5

Opposes dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and supports federal funding for public schools and college affordability.

Wilsonnot placed on the scale

Campaign site says parents, 'not bureaucrats,' should decide what is best for children and opposes 'political indoctrination' and forced DEI in schools; no school choice position stated.

Climate

1 = Faster clean-energy shift5 = Prioritize energy costs
Budzinski2/5

Supports an all-of-the-above approach including clean-energy tax incentives, nuclear, wind, solar and year-round E15; voted to overturn California vehicle emission waiver.

Wilson4/5

Supports more nuclear, coal and natural gas generation; calls reliance on wind and solar unrealistic.

Foreign policy

1 = More engaged abroad5 = Focus at home
Budzinski2/5

Voted for 2024 Ukraine aid and for a 2026 resolution to end U.S. hostilities with Iran absent authorization; supports diplomacy.

Wilson3/5

Favors putting U.S. security first while keeping strong alliances; supports Israel and U.S. interest in Greenland.

Trade & competitiveness

1 = Open trade5 = Tariffs to protect industry
Budzinski2/5

Has questioned the administration's tariffs, citing harm and uncertainty for farmers.

Wilson4/5

Calls tariffs a net positive for the U.S. while wanting farmers less affected.

Quick answers

When is the election?

Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting is open now. Your county election office has locations and hours.

Am I in this district?

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Does How I Vote endorse anyone?

No. It never recommends a candidate and never guesses a position from party. Where no public position exists, it says so.

Where do these summaries come from?

Candidates’ own websites, votes, questionnaires, debates and news coverage, all linked. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name.

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