Findings

Things worth a look on the 2026 candidates' campaign reports, checked against the Illinois Election Code. Each one quotes the rule it rests on and says what to check, including exceptions the reports can't show. They're prompts to look closer at public records, not conclusions.

In 2026, 67 of 321 candidates have something worth a look on their reports.

How the money was spent

Payments to the candidate, their home, and things the law restricts campaign money for.

1 candidateRent, mortgage or utilities to the candidate or their home1 payment · $1,5601 worth a look 22 candidatesCar leases and other restricted spending236 payments · $225,502All context 28 candidatesMileage, reimbursements and pay to the candidate228 payments · $236,641All context

Where the money came from

Sources over the contribution limit, contributions from abroad, and campaigns carried by party money.

15 candidatesContributions over the limit22 sources · $95,41911 worth a look 10 candidatesMostly party and caucus money$3,978,496Context

Reporting

Reports and notices filed late or missing, and donor details left out.

68 candidatesLarge contributions reported late187 contributions · $600,57745 worth a look 30 candidatesLarge contributions with no A-1 found82 contributions · $193,9008 worth a look 49 candidatesQuarterly reports filed late59 reports, up to 124 days late5 worth a look 12 candidatesPayments with no purpose given70 payments · $104,8402 worth a look 21 candidatesDonors with no employer or occupation141 donors · $235,801All context

← All findings · Show only those worth a look

Worth a look How the money was spent · Craig Wilcox State Senator District 32

$1,560 in rent, mortgage or utility payments to the candidate, family or their home

Campaign money can't pay expenses relating to a personal residence. These payments describe rent, a mortgage or utilities and went to the candidate, a family member, or the candidate's home address on file with the State Board of Elections.

What to check

A campaign office rented at fair market value in a separate property the candidate owns is a different question from their home; the reports don't say which.
Security for the candidate's home is allowed when their public duties make it necessary.

The entries (1)

Name	Purpose (as reported)	Date	Amount
Craig Wilcox	Rent	2025-06-30	$1,560

Rule: Rent, mortgage or utilities to the candidate or their home

“For the satisfaction or repayment of any debts or for the payment of any expenses relating to a personal residence.”10 ILCS 5/9-8.10(a)(4) ✓ quoted from the saved copy · how findings work