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D Democratic · U.S. House 16, Illinois · Nov 3, 2026

Paul
Nolley

Democratic challenger for Illinois' 16th Congressional District; nonprofit leader and Rockford native running against incumbent Darin LaHood

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
20
positions
10
endorsements
15
nolleyforcongress.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Opponent Darin LaHood R Compare race →

Background

Paul Nolley is the Democratic nominee for Illinois' 16th Congressional District in the November 2026 general election, challenging Republican incumbent Darin LaHood. Born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Nolley is a first-time candidate for elected office. 1515

Nolley currently serves as executive director of Project First Rate, an organization supporting blue-collar apprenticeship programs and construction careers, a role he has held since 2020. His earlier career included positions as development specialist at Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, community impact manager at United Way of Rock River Valley, and roles at the YMCA of Rock River Valley. He has also described working as a cook, cashier, cleaner, and farmhand. 13

He holds a bachelor's degree in politics and government and English studies from Illinois State University (2007–2011) and a master's degree in public administration with a nonprofit management emphasis from Northern Illinois University (2018–2021). Early in his career he served as a field organizer on Steve Stadelman's 2012 Illinois state Senate campaign and interned at Illinois People's Action. 13

Nolley won the 2026 Democratic primary unopposed and is the FEC-designated challenger in the IL-16 race. 815

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. House · District 16, Illinois
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
Executive Director of Project First Rate
Website
nolleyforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 11
    news
    Nolley discusses rising living costs and manufacturing during Rockford-area appearance

    Ground News reported that Nolley addressed rising living costs and the state of manufacturing in the Rockford area, continuing his focus on economic issues for working families in the district.

    Democratic Candidate Paul Nolley Discusses Rising Living Costs, Manufacturing in Rockford Area · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 11
    news
    Overview: LaHood and Nolley duke out for Central and Northern Illinois votes

    Ground News published a summary of the competitive dynamics between LaHood and Nolley as both candidates vied for votes across central and northern Illinois ahead of the November 3 general election.

    LaHood and Nolley duke out for Central and Northern Illinois votes · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 10
    debate
    LaHood and Nolley discuss key issues at 16th Congressional District debate covered by 25 News Now

    25 News Now reported on a debate in which LaHood and Nolley discussed key district issues, continuing the series of candidate encounters in October 2026.

    LaHood, Nolley discuss key issues during 16th ... · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 9
    filing
    Shaw Local reports both Nolley and LaHood ran unopposed in March 19 primary; general election set for Nov. 3

    Shaw Local noted that Nolley and LaHood both ran unopposed in the March 19, 2026 primary. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

    LaHood absent as Democratic challenger Nolley takes questions at Dixon candidates' forum · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 8
    debate
    NPR Illinois reports Nolley on the attack in Peoria debate against incumbent LaHood

    NPR Illinois coverage of the WTVP debate described Nolley as the aggressor, challenging LaHood's record on health care, Social Security, tariffs, and Iran while LaHood touted his congressional record.

    At Peoria debate, challenger Paul Nolley on the attack while longtime incumbent Darin LaHood touts record · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 8
    news
    Nolley outlines jobs, healthcare, and government oversight agenda in interview

    Nolley discussed rebuilding manufacturing through federal investment, support for unions, and a national health-insurance program. He also said he would emphasize government oversight and work toward ending the Iran conflict if elected.

    ‘Most people in this district are hurting': Nolley seeks to unseat LaHood with focus on jobs, healthcare · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 7
    debate
    Nolley and LaHood appear in WTVP/League of Women Voters televised forum in Peoria

    The WTVP/League of Women Voters forum aired October 8. Topics included Social Security, healthcare, tariffs, energy, immigration, data centers, and Iran. Nolley proposed raising FICA taxes on earners above $250,000, backed federal data-center energy rules, and supported a national single-payer healthcare system.

    2026 Illinois 16th Congressional District Candidate Forum · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 7
    news
    Nolley releases first TV ad 'Towns like Ours,' reports $415K raised vs. LaHood's $6.7M cash on hand

    Nolley's first TV ad, 'Towns like Ours,' was set to air in Peoria and Bloomington-Normal markets during the Bears-Packers game. The six-figure ad buy was cited as evidence 'this district is in play.' FEC filings through July 30 showed Nolley had raised $415,000 while LaHood held $6.7 million cash on hand.

    Paul Nolley releases first TV ad of his campaign against Rep. LaHood · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 6
    debate
    Nolley takes questions at Dixon candidates' forum; LaHood absent

    Nolley appeared at a forum in Dixon while incumbent Darin LaHood did not attend. Nolley noted LaHood's absence and said he was running to improve conditions for working families.

    LaHood absent as Democratic challenger Nolley takes questions at Dixon candidates' forum · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Oct 2
    news
    Nolley calls U.S. position in Iran conflict a loss, urges end to fighting

    In an interview about the Iran conflict, Nolley said 'America has lost and this president refuses to admit it.' He called for ending the fighting and cited the Obama-era Iran agreement as an imperfect but worthwhile model.

    Congressional candidates debate critical, cautious views on Iran war · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Oct 1
    news
    Nolley discusses inflation, wages, and healthcare with WGLT

    In an interview reported by WGLT, Nolley argued wages had not kept pace with costs and that stronger unionization could help. He also supported a national health-insurance program and said restoring Medicaid and ACA cuts could provide more immediate relief.

    Congressional candidates address inflation and the rising ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Illinois State AFL-CIO union
    Listed as an endorsement in a voter-guide profile updated October 11, 2026. No separate dated announcement found. ivoterguide.com
  • Communications Workers of America (CWA) union
    Lists Nolley among its Illinois-endorsed candidates for the November 3, 2026 general election; page updated October 7, 2026. No separate endorsement date stated. cwa-union.org
  • Ro Khanna official
    U.S. Representative from California's 17th District; listed on Nolley's campaign endorsements page with no endorsement date stated. nolleyforcongress.com
  • United Auto Workers (UAW) union
    Listed as an endorsement in a voter-guide profile updated October 11, 2026. No separate dated announcement found. ivoterguide.com
  • Dave Koehler official
    Illinois state senator, District 46; listed on Nolley's campaign endorsements page with no endorsement date stated. nolleyforcongress.com
  • Dave Vella official
    Illinois state representative, District 68; listed on Nolley's campaign endorsements page with no endorsement date stated. nolleyforcongress.com
  • Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families Caucus organization
    Lists Nolley as an endorsed candidate; list updated October 11, 2026. No date stated for when the endorsement was made. democratsabroad.org
  • IUOE Local 150 union
    Nolley stated at a candidate forum (published October 7, 2026) that Local 150 had endorsed him; no separate endorsement date stated. pbs.org
  • Maurice West official
    Illinois state representative, District 67; listed on Nolley's campaign endorsements page with no endorsement date stated. nolleyforcongress.com
  • Sierra Club Illinois organization
    Listed as an endorsement in a voter-guide profile updated October 11, 2026. No separate dated announcement found. ivoterguide.com
  • Steve Stadelman official
    Illinois state senator, District 34; listed on Nolley's campaign endorsements page with no endorsement date stated. nolleyforcongress.com
  • Sierra Club Independent Action organization
    Listed as an endorsement in a voter-guide profile updated October 11, 2026. No separate dated announcement found. ivoterguide.com
  • Eric Sorensen official
    U.S. Representative from Illinois' 17th District; reported as endorsing Nolley in Politico Illinois Playbook on June 23, 2026. politico.com · Jun 23, 2026
  • IUOE Local 399 union
    Included Nolley in its 2026 Illinois primary endorsement list; primary election day identified as March 17, 2026. No separate date given for the endorsement itself. iuoe399.org · Mar 17, 2026
  • Citizen Action/Illinois organization
    Endorsed Nolley for Illinois' 16th District in its 2026 primary endorsement announcement; organization states endorsements were announced in March 2026 but no specific day given. citizenaction-il.org · Mar 1, 2026

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$416K
Spent
$186K
Cash on hand
$230K

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6IL16108(opens in a new tab)

Sources 20

  1. [1] Democratic Candidate Paul Nolley Discusses Rising Living Costs, Manufacturing in Rockford Area(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  2. [2] LaHood and Nolley duke out for Central and Northern Illinois votes(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  3. [3] LaHood, Nolley discuss key issues during 16th ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  4. [4] LaHood absent as Democratic challenger Nolley takes questions at Dixon candidates' forum(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  5. [5] Spring 2026 Endorsements — Citizen Action/Illinois(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  6. [6] Voter Guide Profile for IL U.S. Representative, District 16 candidate(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  7. [7] ‘Most people in this district are hurting': Nolley seeks to unseat LaHood with focus on jobs, healthcare(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  8. [8] At Peoria debate, challenger Paul Nolley on the attack while longtime incumbent Darin LaHood touts record(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  9. [9] 2026 Illinois | CWA Endorsed Candidates(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  10. [10] 2026 Illinois 16th Congressional District Candidate Forum(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  11. [11] Paul Nolley releases first TV ad of his campaign against Rep. LaHood(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  12. [12] 2026 Endorsed Candidates of the ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  13. [13] Congressional candidates debate critical, cautious views ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  14. [14] Congressional candidates debate critical, cautious views on Iran war(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  15. [15] Congressional candidates address inflation and the rising ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  16. [16] Congressional candidates address inflation and the rising cost of living(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  17. [17] Paul Nolley — 2026 Illinois's 16th Congressional District Election ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 28, 2026
  18. [18] Local 150 makes a move(opens in a new tab) Jun 23, 2026
  19. [19] 2026 local 399 illinois - primary election endorsements(opens in a new tab) Jun 7, 2026
  20. [20] Endorsements — Paul Nolley for Congress(opens in a new tab) Mar 30, 2025
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