Republican · Illinois's 4th District · 2026
Lupe Castillo
Castillo is a wife and mother who has lived in the district for more than four decades.
Biography
Lupe Castillo describes herself as a wife, mother and lifelong Illinois resident who has spent more than four decades in the 4th District.1 In her 2024 candidate questionnaire, she listed Chicago as her hometown and an associate degree in culinary arts.2
Her previous political experience includes serving as the 22nd Ward committeewoman, and she also ran for the congressional seat in 2024.2 She has described being raised Catholic and following many of its beliefs while disagreeing with some church rules.3 In that questionnaire, she also recalled learning patriotic songs as a child and singled out the Battle Hymn of the Republic.3
Her current campaign emphasizes support for the First and Second Amendments, law enforcement and the military.4 She backs voter identification laws and stronger border security, and calls for scrutiny of corruption in government programs so assistance reaches people who need it.1 She also supports school choice and restrictions intended to protect women's sports and privacy in bathrooms.5
In her 2024 Sun-Times questionnaire, Castillo supported military aid to Israel and food and medical supplies for Palestinians, as well as continued support for Ukraine with greater contributions from European NATO members.2 She is the Republican nominee in the 2026 race against Democrat Patty García and two other candidates.5