2 candidates are tracked for Illinois House District 18 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Robyn Gabel and Pete Donaghue. Candidate information follows official Cook County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Robyn Gabel (Democratic), Pete Donaghue (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Robyn Gabel is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.
This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Robyn Gabel, is on the ballot.
Illinois › Cook County › Illinois House District 18
Democratic Incumbent
Robyn Gabel served as executive director of the nonprofit Everthrive from 1988 to 2010 before her election to the House, per the Illinois General Assembly. She has served as House Majority Leader since 2010 and chairs the Rules Committee, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Republican
Pete Donaghue is the Republican candidate for Illinois House District 18 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the State Board of Elections' certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Who is running for Illinois House District 18 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Illinois House District 18 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Robyn Gabel and Pete Donaghue. Candidate information follows official Cook County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Illinois House District 18 election in Illinois?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Illinois are on the Illinois election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Cook County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Cook County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Illinois election office, or see the full Cook County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
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