Peters Concedes 2nd Congressional District Primary, Cites Heavy Super PAC Spending (Chicago, IL) – State Sen. Robert Peters conceded the Democratic primary election in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, pointing to a surge of outside spending from Trump-aligned super PACs as a decisive factor in the race.
Peters, who launched his campaign in May 2025 and raised more than $1.3 million, said his bid was ultimately outspent by a margin exceeding 11-to-1. He congratulated Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller on her victory and pledged to continue advocating for his policy priorities.
“Although we fell short today, I’m incredibly proud of the campaign we built,” Peters said in a statement. “With Trump-aligned super PACs spending millions of dollars to buy this and other seats across Illinois, every voter should be deeply concerned.”
Outside groups poured significant money into the race. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and an affiliated political action committee, Affordable Chicago Now, spent more than $4.4 million backing Miller. Meanwhile, the pro-cryptocurrency super PAC Fairshake spent more than $817,000 on ads opposing Peters.
Another group, “Leading the Future,” reportedly spent about $1.4 million supporting a separate candidate in the contest.
Despite the loss, Peters emphasized his campaign’s focus on grassroots organizing and progressive priorities, including Medicare for All, protecting Social Security and Medicaid, and opposing U.S. involvement in conflicts abroad.
Peters, the only Jewish candidate in the race, has been an outspoken critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and has called for a ceasefire in Gaza. He said special interests tied to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency industries also targeted him due to his legislative work in Springfield.
During his time in the Illinois Senate, Peters has backed measures regulating emerging technologies, including laws addressing consumer protections in cryptocurrency, restrictions on AI use in mental health care, and safeguards against algorithmic discrimination.
First elected to the state Senate in 2019, Peters previously worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago. He also highlighted his legislative record, including efforts to eliminate cash bail in Illinois, raise the minimum wage, and expand health care protections.
The race drew national attention and support from prominent progressive figures and organizations, including U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Peters said he plans to remain active in political organizing efforts moving forward.
“I stand ready to work together… to fight for economic justice for our communities,” he said.
Peters Concedes 2nd Congressional District Primary, Cites Heavy Super PAC Spending
