Illinois’ 26th state house district extends from part of Chicago’s Gold Coast to Woodlawn. But the heart of the race is on the city’s South Side. And last night’s candidate forum was in Bronzeville. The debate was sponsored by Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court, and frequently touched on issues stemming from the gentrification of the community.

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s name was invoked several times Monday night. And so was his bandwagon message of change.

As the 26th District changes, some voters want something new.

Mary Melchor says her taxes increased from $300 to 2,600. She worries about residents being able to swallow those hikes.

MELCHOR: The hot issue is the tax base, which is only an end result of the fact as they are re-gentrifying.

She’s deciding between Phillip Jackson and Will Burns. The other candidates who had proxies at the forum were Paul Chadha and Kenny Johnson. Incumbent Elga Jefferies was present. She wants to keep her seat. Supporter Gilbert Thompson says consistency is important to elevate black political power.

THOMPSON: Black people don’t understand that you keep people in office so they can achieve more and elevate themselves to get committee positions. We keep knocking each other off.

Election Day is February 5.

I’m Natalie Moore, Chicago Public Radio.