Shantel Franklin
Democratic
State Representative, 8th District
AI wrote this from the sources listed below. A second AI checked each sentence against its source, and software checked the links and dates. A person didn’t review it, so every sentence links to its source for you to check. Updated Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Overview
Shantel Franklin is the Democratic nominee for State Representative in the 8th District.1 She is a real estate agent who served as a legislative liaison for the Illinois Attorney General.2 Her campaign says she would prioritize housing stability, stronger schools, affordable healthcare, and economic development.3
When asked about safety net hospitals like West Suburban Hospital, Franklin said she would support legislation giving the state a stronger hand in hospital takeovers.1 In the Attorney General’s Office, she advocated to expand the Crime Victims Compensation Program, which provides financial support to victims of violent crime for medical bills, funeral costs, relocation expenses, and lost wages.4
Campaign money
- Reporting period
- April 1 to June 30, 2026
- Raised
- $34,986
- Cash on hand
- $41,138
| Source | Amount | Share of money raised |
|---|---|---|
| Small gifts ($150 or less) | $3,312 | 9% |
| Larger gifts | $30,674 | 88% |
| PACs, parties and other campaign committees | $1,000 | 3% |
Large contributions reported since June 30, 2026: $12,000 in 8 gifts. See the large contribution reports.
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections filings for Shantel for State Rep
Endorsements
Sources
- 8th House candidate Franklin introduces herself to local Dems - Wednesday Journal, Wednesday Journal. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Four vie in state's 8th District to replace Rep. La Shawn Ford, Wednesday Journal. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Shantel Franklin | for Illinois State Representative, Shantel Franklin campaign. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Shantel Franklin - Community Leadership Fellows, Community Leadership Fellows. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Candidate Shantel Franklin absent from second political forum, Chicago Crusader. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- La Grange Leader Backs State Lawmaker Hopeful, Patch. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Shantel Franklin | for Illinois State Representative, Shantel for State Rep. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Illinois AFL-CIO 2026 General Election Endorsements, Illinois AFL-CIO. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Illinois Federation of Teachers Announces Slate of Endorsements for 2026 Primaries, Illinois Federation of Teachers. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Planned Parenthood Illinois Action board unveils 2026 general election endorsements, Windy City Times. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Endorsements and Election Information, Personal PAC. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Shantel Franklin, Run For Something. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Shantel Franklin, Abundant Housing Illinois. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Retired Teachers Endorse Candidates for Illinois General Assembly, Around Ptown. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- 2026 Primary Election, Chicago Teachers Union. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Endorsements for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election, Cook County College Teachers Union. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- 2026 Endorsements, Better Streets Chicago Action Fund. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- November 3, 2026 General Election Endorsed Candidates, Chicago Federation of Labor. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- IUOE Local 150 Illinois Endorsements, General Election, November 3, 2026 (Cook County), IUOE Local 150. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.