Sizable turnout for hometown Congressional candidate Paul Nolley
An event with Nolley highlights domestic and foreign policy, including a focus on affordability and healthcare.
Paul Nolley, Roscoe resident and Hononegah alum, has secured enough signatures to run for the IL-16th Congressional seat in 2026. Now he is hosting a series of meet and greets across the district to get his message out. At the Rockton Township Community Center on Monday, November 10, 2025, Mr. Nolley spoke at length about issues impacting the U.S. as a whole, but he found a way to make it relevant to local Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit residents.
The primary for the November 2026 election will be held on March 17, 2026. Paul Nolley is running unopposed on the Democratic slate while the Republican primary will feature both incumbent Darin LaHood and John Kitover.
As always, Rockton-Roscoe News will cover campaign events for all the candidates who hope to represent far northern Illinois. We have contacted LaHood and Kitover about future stories and might even organize a candidate forum.
Last night's session included talk about SNAP benefits and insurance costs. After people shared their concerns about insurance premium increases just received in the mail, Mr. Nolley discussed the importance of moving to a more affordable healthcare system And while some might see redistricting as a "somewhere else" issue, Mr. Nolley discussed the real possibility of redistricting in Illinois and the boundaries being redrawn to exclude him or even Darin Lahood by November 2026. Illinois lost one seat in the 2021 redistricting.
One attendee asked, "What if you are cut out of the area?"
"I can't let that stop the motivation and momentum [to run for office]," responded Mr. Nolley, and to have a new representative for the 16th district,
He went on to share his efforts to mobilize support and organize fundraising. Mr. Nolley is currently doing a lot of the fundraising tasks in house, while refusing to take funds from corporate political action committees. He has two fundraising goals: a moderate goal of $1.5 million and a stretch goal of $2 million.
For context, Nolley estimates that Darin LaHood has amassed $6 million to run his reelection campaign. At the same time, Nolley stressed that while money is essential, it is not necessarily a guarantee of success, reminding the crowd that Clinton and Harris both outspent President Trump in 2016 and 2024 respectively.
At the end of the evening, Mr. Nolley spoke with small groups and individuals, the intimate huddles that happen after events. He shared with the Rockton-Roscoe News a few items.
1) What do you want people who couldn't make it to know?
"I'll be accessible and host events across the district and want to hear your concerns, ideas, and priorities regardless of who they voted for during the last election. I have voted for Republicans and Democrats. I will show up and listen and be a part of the community."
2) When and where is your next event?
Local ones are to be determined. He's scheduling events for Bloomington and Peoria. Anyone interested in learning about and attending an event can find this information at his website, nolleyforcongress.com.
3) How can someone help the campaign?
The campaign could would be happy to coordinate with people to help door knock, host events, or fill and mail post cards and other mailings. That and other volunteer opportunities can be found at nolleyforcongress.com/volunteer.
