Endorsement
MUPAC Endorses Dylan Blaha for Illinois' 13th Congressional District
January 13, 2026
Illinois 13th Congressional District
Official Endorsement Statement
Muslims United PAC (MUPAC) proudly endorses Dylan Blaha for U.S. Congress in Illinois' 13th Congressional District. With a 92% community alignment score and unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights, Blaha represents the principled leadership our community deserves.
Why This Race Matters
Illinois' 13th Congressional District (D+18) is represented by incumbent Nikki Budzinski, who has consistently sided with AIPAC and the pro-Israel lobby. Budzinski co-sponsored H.Res.771 "Standing with Israel," pushed for Israel aid packages, and has refused to support an arms embargo despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The March 17, 2026 Democratic primary presents an opportunity to replace a representative who has failed our community with one who will champion our values. Dylan Blaha offers voters a clear alternative: a decorated Army veteran and cancer researcher who has unequivocally called the situation in Gaza a genocide and supports cutting U.S. military aid to Israel.
About Dylan Blaha
Military Service
Rank: Captain, Illinois Army National Guard
Service: 12+ years, including deployment to Afghanistan
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 4 Army Commendation Medals
Academic Background
Education: B.S. Molecular Biology, M.S. Biochemistry (University of Illinois)
Research: Cancer research (2017-2021)
Age: 32 years old
Dylan Blaha vs. Nikki Budzinski
Dylan Blaha
Challenger
✓ Endorsed
Calls It Genocide
Explicitly labels Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide
Permanent Ceasefire
Supports immediate and permanent ceasefire
One-State Solution
Equal rights for all in historic Palestine
Cut Military Aid
Opposes all U.S. military funding to Israel
Zero AIPAC Money
Entirely grassroots-funded campaign
Community Alignment
92%
Nikki Budzinski
Incumbent
Not Endorsed
Co-Sponsored H.Res.771
"Standing with Israel" resolution after Oct 7
Pushed for Israel Aid
Called Israel "our strongest ally in the Middle East"
No Ceasefire Support
Has not called for permanent ceasefire
No Arms Embargo
Refuses to block weapons transfers
Pro-Israel Funding
Likely recipient of AIPAC-aligned donations
Estimated Alignment
~30%
Dylan Blaha's Key Policy Positions
Palestine & Foreign Policy
- Calls Israeli actions in Gaza a genocide
- Supports immediate and permanent ceasefire
- Advocates one-state solution with equal rights for all
- Would cut defense budget by $100+ billion
- Condemns anti-Palestinian, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim rhetoric
Domestic Policy
- Medicare for All — guaranteed healthcare
- Pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants
- Criminal justice reform — end death penalty, mandatory minimums
- Climate emergency action — 100% clean energy transition
- Overturn Citizens United — get money out of politics
Notable Endorsements
Peace Action
Progressive Democrats of America
Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption
Track AIPAC
Cook County Latino Democrats
U-C Jews for Ceasefire
Beyond the Ballot
Downstate Forward PAC
Viability Assessment
Dylan Blaha's campaign shows strong momentum. He raised $63,000 in Q4 alone, bringing his total to approximately $90,000. While this is still below the incumbent's war chest, the trajectory is encouraging for a grassroots challenger.
Blaha's 57% primary viability score reflects his solid candidate quality and growing fundraising strength. Most importantly, the D+18 district lean (59-41 Dem) means this is a safe Democratic seat—his 67% general viability score indicates that if he wins the primary, he is very likely to win the general election.
Support Our Endorsement
Help elect Dylan Blaha to Congress. Your donation supports his grassroots campaign and MUPAC's mission to elect candidates who stand for the Muslim American community.
Media Contact
For press inquiries regarding this endorsement, please contact:
press@muslimsunitedpac.com