2026 Endorsements
JCUA Votes is proud to announce our first round of endorsements for the 2026 elections!
JCUA Votes is backing two progressive candidates who have long-standing relationships with our community and proven track records of organizing for change.
These leaders understand that winning an election is only the first step toward co-governance. We look forward to throwing down over the next two months to get them elected and working closely together once they’re in office.
JCUA Votes is proud to announce our endorsement of Robert Peters for Congress in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District. Peters, a member of JCUA Votes and of the Kol Or Jews of Color Caucus, has deep roots in organizing and understands the importance of power and relationships in politics and movement work. In the Illinois Senate he championed the Pretrial Fairness Act to end money bond statewide. He has worked to pass legislation raising the minimum wage, expanding workplace protections, and funding affordable housing.
Robert is proudly running as a Black and Jewish candidate who carries those identities into his work. He is deeply committed to co-governing with our membership and ensuring that the values of solidarity and justice guide his decision-making in Congress. JCUA Votes could not be more excited to endorse Robert Peters for the 2nd District.
Robert says, “I’m proud to be endorsed by JCUA Votes, a true ally in the fight for justice and against the Trump regime’s attacks on working people in our communities. Together, I know we will continue to take on the billionaires who are trying to destroy Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and our very democracy.”
JCUA Votes is proud to announce our endorsement of Sunjay Kumar for Illinois State Representative for the 13th House District. Sunjay has been a partner in our work for years through his leadership with Asian American Midwest Progressives (AAMP) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ). He has worked alongside our members on campaigns like Bring Chicago Home and is a vocal advocate for public safety, immigrant and LGBTQ rights, and racial justice.
In the State House Sunjay will work to make sure the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes to fund vital public services like health care, housing, and education. He is committed to continuing to strengthen Illinois’ protections for our immigrant neighbors. He shares JCUA Votes’ vision of bringing people together across difference to fight for freedom and dignity for all of us. JCUA Votes is proud to add our endorsement and our energy to his campaign.
Sunjay says, “I am filled with pride to be endorsed by JCUA Votes. As a long time community organizer, I have stood alongside their members to protect our immigrant neighbors. I look forward to continuing this work in the state legislature to ensure our state is an inclusive one where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
Illinois House, 9th District
JCUA Votes interviewed two candidates for Illinois State Senate District 9 – Patrick Hanley and Rachel Ruttenberg. Both candidates share a passion for serving the district and a commitment to progressive values and policies. They each expressed a commitment to support JCUA Votes’ state-level campaigns for immigrants’ rights and economic justice. We are confident that either candidate would be an excellent choice to serve the ninth district and we encourage you to you to support the candidate you feel most connected to.
Our Endorsement Process
JCUA Votes follows an intentional, democratic process for making political endorsements.
It begins with our Political Committee inviting JCUA Votes members to submit proposals for races where we should consider endorsing a candidate. After reviewing these proposals, the Political Committee determines which races to explore further.
When interviewing and evaluating candidates, JCUA Votes uses the following criteria:
- Support for our issue-based campaigns
- Alignment with JCUA Votes’ organizational values
- Experience in community organizing and social justice advocacy
- Commitment to co-governance with the communities they serve
- A demonstrated, credible path to victory
- Alignment with our partner organizations
This process ensures our endorsements are rooted in our values, responsive to our members, and strategically positioned to advance the movements we’re building together.
Our Endorsement Process for the 2026 Election Cycle will begin this Fall. Check back for updates!