The number of Illinois House races being contested by major-party candidates on Nov. 6 is up 13.6 percent over the last midterm election in 2014, according to a Prairie State Wire analysis.

Early voting for the Nov. 6 general election has started at the Loop Super Site, 175 W. Washington St. and at two locations in Austin.

Ammie Kessem, the Republican candidate for the 19th House District, recently posted a Facebook video criticizing the political quid pro quo that allegedly keeps longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) in power.

State Rep. Robert F. Martwick, Jr. (D-Chicago) and his father, Robert F. Martwick, Sr. earned an estimated $6.4 million in fees over the past decade helping Chicago skyscraper, apartment building and shopping center owners appeal their property taxes, according to an analysis of appeal records by Chicago City Wire.

State Rep. Robert Martwick, Jr. (D-Chicago) wants you to admire him for his honesty. The 53-year-old from Portage Park doesn't believe Chicago property taxes are too high, but that they’re actually too low.

Paul G. Vallas, candidate for Chicago mayor, believes that Chicago can come back from financial disaster with a structured multi-year budget plan.

Ammie Kessem, a 19th District state House candidate, responded directly on social media after her opponent, Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) accused her of being a “dishonest, pandering” politician.

Democrat U.S. House Rep. Danny K. Davis will receive a lifetime achievement award and Republican U.S. House Rep. Darin LaHood will speak at Thursday's Prevent Child Abuse America Gala in Chicago, a program official said during a recent interview.

The political arm of Illinois’ largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, has already spent nearly $600,000 this year across 24 competitive state House and Senate races, according to filings with the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE).

People for Rossana, a candidate committee, reported receiving $5,516 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Neighbors for Daniel La Spata, a candidate committee, reported receiving $17,200 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Friends for Miguel Bautista, a candidate committee, reported receiving $709.10 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Friends of Bobby Loncar, a candidate committee, reported receiving $4,100 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Despite publicly denying her mayoral intentions, Susana Mendoza was nevertheless listed on petitions for the office, according to a Tweet from an NBC reporter.

Friends of Katie Sieracki, a candidate committee, reported receiving $17,490 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Taxpayers for Eva Strobeck, a candidate committee, reported receiving $500 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Friends of Jeff Jenkins, a candidate committee, reported receiving $4,700 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Lightfoot for Chicago, a candidate committee, reported receiving $408,599.61 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Friends of Marianne Lalonde, a candidate committee, reported receiving $7,610.01 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Friends of Samantha Nugent, a candidate committee, reported receiving $48,150 from April 1 through June 30, according to its second quarter report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.