State Senate candidate Nick Uniejewski receives major endorsements in 6th District

Veteran progressive icon Don Rose and former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin have endorsed Nick Uniejewski in his challenge to controversial incumbent Sara Feigenholtz in the March 17, 2026, Democratic Primary. Feigenholtz has been repeatedly criticized for putting foreign interests over the interests of her district’s taxpayers, families, and residents

Don Rose, one of the most respected progressive voices in Illinois politics just made something clear: people are paying attention to what we’re building—and they know it’s time for change in the 6th District.

Rose, the legendary Chicago progressive strategist and columnist, has endorsed Uniejewski’s campaign for State Senate. And he did not mince words.

He wrote that Uniejewski’s opponent, incumbent Sara Feigenholtz, “is a younger rendition of an old-line machine hack… She should have been replaced long ago.”

And he made clear what this moment represents: “There is a great opportunity to get rid of her now with Nick Uniejewski, a fighting gay organizer who has lined up an impressive campaign.”

Nick Uniejewski, Candidates Illinois Senate 6th District

Don also recognized what Uniejewski’s campaign is fighting for: “He will work for more housing and fully funded transit, along with the battle against ICE, supporting human rights which is urgent in this lakefront district.”

This endorsement matters—not just because of who Don Rose is, but because it reflects something bigger: Uniejewski’s coalition is growing, and it reflects the diversity, urgency, and conviction of people across this district who know we deserve better.

In just the past week, Uniejewski also earned the support of former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin, along with a growing list of grassroots organizations and independent voices. These endorsements come from different corners of our political landscape, but they share one belief: the 6th District is ready for new leadership.

Former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin endorses Uniewjewski

Former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin has endorsed Uniejewski. McLaughlin was one of the southwest suburban region’s best municipal leaders.

“I’ve known Nick for years, and he represents the kind of new, energetic leadership Illinois needs,” said former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin, who served as mayor of Uniejewski’s hometown while he was growing up.

“He’s paying attention to the challenges of today—from the climate impact of AI and new data centers to the need to modernize our infrastructure and build more housing. He understands how to bring people together and build diverse coalitions across the state so people can afford to stay in their communities.”

Uniejewski writes: “Dan McLaughlin was one of the first people who showed me that leaders should be grounded in community and focused on delivering real results for people. His leadership inspired me to get involved in politics, and I’m honored to have his support as we take on the challenges ahead across the state.”

SUPPORT THE UNIEJEWSKI CAMPAIGN

But here’s the truth: we can not win this race on love and Instagram likes.

Mail ballots have already been sent. Early voting begins Thursday. And Election Day is just 35 days away.

In these final weeks, every dollar we raise goes directly toward reaching voters—through mail, digital ads, and keeping our team knocking on doors and making calls across the district.

If you believe in what we’re building, please contribute today to help us reach every voter we can before they cast their ballot:

👉 Donate

Voting Information

The Democratic Primary is March 17. In our race, there is no Republican running—whoever wins the Democratic Primary will be our next state senator. We have a Democratic supermajority, but what we really need? We need to elect better Democrats.

VOTE BY MAIL

The deadline to apply to vote by mail is March 12 at 5:00 PM. You may apply to Vote By Mail through the Chicago Board of Elections’ online system or using their mail-in form. Be sure to request the Democratic Primary ballot! Please note: only residents in the city of Chicago may apply using these forms.

Mail ballots must be returned via dropbox or postmarked by Election Day (March 17). More information is available on the Chicago Board of Elections website.

EARLY VOTING

Early voting will open at the Downtown Chicago Super Site this Thursday, February 12. Through March 8, the Super Site’s hours are 9:00 AM-6:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:00 AM-4:00 PM on Sunday. Locations in all wards will open on March 2. Visit the Chicago Board of Elections for more information.

ELECTION DAY

And remember: Election Day is March 17. Make sure you’re registered to vote at your current address so your voice is heard:

🗳️ Check Your Voter Registration

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Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

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