Illinois Republican Attorney General nominee?
$10.3K
MAR 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleMinister
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyCentrist Independent
LocationIllinois
BackgroundMinister
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EducationLewis University — bachelor's degree in paralegal studies
Notable personal detailsAndy Williams Jr. is an Illinois minister and prisoner-rights advocate who ran as a Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General in the 2026 primary election cycle. He has described prior political activity including service as a political activist and community advocate and previously ran for president as a Libertarian in 2020. His campaign materials describe him as having worked in paralegal roles and in areas including foreclosure defense, homeowners’ association rights, and family law.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate has urged protection of constitutional rights and campaigned on enforcing law-and-order while also prioritizing civil liberties. He has been a plaintiff in litigation challenging laws that categorically bar people with felony convictions from possessing firearms, indicating support for restoring or expanding firearm rights for some formerly incarcerated people. Public materials do not provide a comprehensive stance on broader gun-policy proposals (e.g., assault‑weapons bans, universal background checks, red‑flag laws).
News
Andy Williams Jr. is in the news because he is a candidate in Illinois’s primary elections, which are drawing heavy turnout and major spending across several races. The broader election picture includes competitive contests for the open U.S. Senate seat and other statewide offices. There is also wider election-related attention around possible Supreme Court changes to mail-ballot counting rules, which could affect planning in Illinois and other states.
What to know for Tuesday's election
State officials say shifting mail ballot deadline will complicate plans
Voters could bring new faces to the Illinois General Assembly
Cold weather to greet voters Tuesday in Illinois primary races
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising