Underwood To Defend IL District 14 Seat Against Marter: Illinois General Election 2026

Incumbent Lauren Underwood (D, IL-14) will defend her House seat against Republican James Marter in Tuesday's General Election.

Underwood was first elected to represent District 14 in 2018, when she flipped the formerly Republican district. Her win made her the youngest Black female to be elected to serve in Congress.

In the 2026 Primary Election, James Marter defeated Gary Vician to secure the Republican nomination. Marter garnered 22,940 votes, whereas Vician secured 7,623 votes.

Below, you'll find some additional information about Underwood and Marter as we head into Tuesday's election.

Lauren Underwood

Immigration

Lauren Underwood has served as Vice Chair for the House Committee on Homeland Security and was a Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

Underwood's campaign website says she has worked on bipartisan initiatives to "advance necessary federal funding to secure the border.

She has also supported legislation for a path to citizenship for "immigrants who have spent most of their lives in the United States" and that works to prevent children who have been detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement from dying in federal custody.

Foreign Policy

Underwood has emphasized the importance of protecting election security from foreign interference. She also holds that the United States's military engagements should require Congressional approval.

Health Care

Underwood co-wrote the Health Care Affordability Act, which created limits to the costs of health care plans purchased via the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

She also introduced and co-sponsored te Lower Insulin Costs Now Act, which helps give patients access to more affordable generic insulin and caps the cost of insulin at $35 monthly for Seniors who are enrolled in Medicare.

Economy

Per her campaign website, Underwood has supported legislation that supports tax relief for families and bolsters the economy in rural areas. She supports affordable housing initiatives, reducing inflation and creating more jobs.

James Marter

James Marter, who won the 2024 Republican primary against Charlie Kim by a wide margin, is back in the running again in the hopes of challenging Underwood in the General Election.

A self-described conservative, Marter earned a bachelor's degree in industrial science from Purdue University, along with a minor in computer science.

His background includes serving as the Kendall County Republican Chairman, Deputy on the Illinois 14th District Republican State Central Committee and an advisory board member for the Illinois Conservative Union.

Marter has also volunteered as a scout leader and a member of the education commission at his church.

Per his campaign website, Marter's platform is anti-abortion, "pro-family," and in favor of Second Amendment rights.

Below is a brief summary of Marter's stance on some current political issues, according to his website.

Immigration

Marter supports securing the border and is in favor of enforcing current laws to regulate immigration. He also hopes to "end harmful practices putting us at risk," his website states.

He writes, "Bad policies have created a humanitarian crisis for immigrants, a disaster for American workers and increased threats to our national security. There are risks to our health, the integrity of our elections, the safety of our neighborhoods and even terrorism. With widespread sex trafficking, drug smuggling, gang violence and opioid addiction, we need leaders with courage."

Foreign Policy

Marter's campaign supports an "America-first" approach to foreign policy.

His website states, "We need people of integrity representing us, who can set aside their desire for political power and personal enrichment, and advance the interests and security of the United States of America."

Health Care

Jim Marter supports repealing the Affordable Care Act. His website states that he believes the Affordable Care Act has limited health care choices for Americans and led to "dramatically higher prices."

Economy

Per his website, Marter is in favor of smart trade policy and free market principles. He writes, "The government should not politicize industries, picking winners and threatening competition."