7 hours ago - Election

Chicago election night 2026: Photos from watch parties across the city

Justin Kaufmann,
Monica Eng

Dim blue-lit bar scene with a tabletop covered in bold white text posters, several plastic cups, a straw in a cup on a yellow coaster, and a campaign button; blurred silhouettes of people in the background. — A table at the Democratic Party of Illinois party at Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

Election night watch parties were everywhere Tuesday, from grand ballrooms at Navy Pier to neighborhood taverns hosting local school board candidates.

It's a time-honored tradition, and we did our best (there were only two of us!) to capture the sights and sounds of election night.

Here's a look at election night across the city, through our lenses.

Bearded man in a gray shirt and sunglasses DJs at a wooden table with turntables and a mixer; candles and flowers surround him. A blue backdrop reads "FIGHTING FOR YOU" as a man in a suit watches. — A DJ spins at JB Pritzker's party at the Aon Ballroom at Navy Pier. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

Close-up of several glossy chocolate domes on gold wrappers with edible gold leaf, skewered and arranged on a tray at a dessert display. — Chocolate cheesecake desserts at Jessica Biggs' party at RPM Seafood. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Two men in dress shirts and a blue suit shake hands in a busy event space, smiling; cameras and reporters in the background, with a blue chandelier and tables set. — Victor Henderson (right) greets former CPS CEO and mayoral candidate Paul Vallas at Athena Restaurant in Greektown. Henderson lost his bid for school board president. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Dim bar scene with a marble counter and hanging glasses; groups of suited people chat in the background. Foreground shows a dark T-shirt with large white text, including DON'T WORRY. — T-shirts at Attorney General Kwame Raoul's party at Offshore. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

Crowded event lit in purple-blue hues; a stage with railings on the left, arched doorway on the right, and many people gathered in the foreground. — Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton talks to supporters at her election party at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

Three people smiling for a photo indoors. From left: man with glasses and beige jacket; blonde woman in a navy dress; bearded man in a colorful patterned jacket. Blue backlit windows and a sign in the background. — Jessica Biggs (center) poses for photos at her party at RPM Seafood as Che "Rhymefest" Smith (left) smiles. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Two people in business attire pose beside a large patriotic poster reading "Election Night 2026" for Ford for Congress; blue gym walls and other attendees in the background. — Rep. La Shawn Ford poses with a supporter at XS Tennis Village in Washington Park. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

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Chicago election night 2026: Photos from watch parties across the city

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