IFA Endorses Congressional Candidates in Illinois, North Carolina, and Texas Ahead of March Primary Elections

Awards bipartisan “Friend of Franchising” endorsements for their support of local franchise businesses

February 18, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // WASHINGTON – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today endorsed sixteen bipartisan candidates ahead of their March primary elections, applauding their leadership on pro-business policies supporting America’s locally owned franchise small businesses. Named a “Friend of Franchising,” IFA endorsed candidates in Illinois, North Carolina, and Texas.

“These candidates recognize the vital role franchise small businesses play on Main Streets across America,” said Michael Layman, IFA Chief Advocacy Officer. “It’s critical to have leaders who support pro-growth, pro-franchise policies that understand that franchises are local businesses and should be treated as such. The strength of the franchise community lies in its bipartisan support, and we are proud to endorse candidates who understand and champion that impact.”

Below is the full list of March 2026 endorsements:

• Illinois
• Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)
• Darin LaHood (R-IL)
• Mary Miller (R-IL)
• Brad Schneider (D-IL)
• North Carolina 
• Don Davis (D-NC)
• Chuck Edwards (R-NC)
• Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
• Richard Hudson (R-NC)
• David Rouzer (R-NC)
• Texas
• Henry Cuellar (D-TX)
• Lance Gooden (R-TX)
• Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX)
• Nathaniel Moran (R-TX)
• August Pfluger (R-TX)
• Beth Van Duyne (R-TX)
• Roger Williams (R-TX)

About The International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 830,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

SOURCE International Franchise Association

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Media Contact:

Katherine Knight Patterson
(202) 662-0783