10 ILCS 5/9-1.3
"Candidate" means any person who seeks nomination for election, election to or retention in public office, or any person who seeks election as ward or township committeeperson in counties of 3,000,000 or more population, whether or not such person is elected. A person seeks nomination for election, election or retention if he (1) takes the action necessary under the laws of this State to attempt to qualify for nomination for election, election to or retention in public office or election as ward or township committeeperson in counties of 3,000,000 or more population, or (2) receives contributions or makes expenditures, or gives consent for any other person to receive contributions or make expenditures with a view to bringing about his nomination for election or election to or retention in public office, or his or her election as ward or township committeeperson in counties of 3,000,000 or more population.
10 ILCS 5/9-1.3