First-Time Candidate Collects More than Double the Required Signatures, Enters First-Filer Lottery for Ballot Placement

CHICAGO, IL—At 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27, Reed Showalter, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, filed his petition for candidacy. Showalter's campaign collected approximately 2,500 signatures, more than double the 1,164 requirement for congressional candidates—a clear reflection of the broad enthusiasm and community support for new leadership in Chicago.

“I am blown away by the support for our campaign throughout this petition process,” said Reed Showalter. “Meeting folks across the district—at their doors, at farmers markets, and at community events—has been an incredible experience. None of this would have been possible without everyday Chicagoans stepping up to take part in democracy.”

The campaign’s success in gathering such a large number of signatures in just a few weeks highlights the growing momentum behind Reed’s message of taking on corporate greed and lowering costs for working families. 

“I’m beyond grateful for my friends, family, and volunteers who spent hours helping to gather signatures,” Showalter said. “And I want to thank the communities in Illinois’ 7th District for showing up and engaging, and keeping democracy strong.”

Reed Showalter grew up in Oak Park and now lives in Chicago’s West Loop with his wife, Marina, and their two dogs. A former attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the White House National Economic Council, Reed has built his career challenging corporate power and advocating for consumers. Now, he’s running for Congress to continue that fight here at home. View Reed's campaign announcement video here.