Learn about state legislative and judicial candidates in the BND Voter Guide

Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the state legislative and judicial races in the Nov. 8 election in Illinois.

The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running for state Senate, state House and judicial seats in contested races and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.

While this article has information about state legislative and judicial candidates, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for governor, Congress and county positions.

Here are the responses from the state legislative and judicial candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)

State Senate - 56th District

NAME: ERICA HARRISS

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 45

Campaign website or social media page: www.ericaforillinois.com

Office seeking: State Senate-56th District

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Elected for Madison County Board District 26 in 2016; Re-elected in 2020.

Occupation: Small business owner

Education: I attended high school in Edwardsville and graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1999 with a degree in public relations.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have been an active member and youth group leader at Metro Community Church for nearly 25 years. I’ve volunteered with various local charity organizations and am a regular supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Compassion International. In 2020, I was honored to receive the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from a local outreach ministry for my service as an elected official. Outside of business and public service, I devote my time to family — raising three children in Glen Carbon with my husband Jeff and our two dogs, Penny and Teddy.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Senate Republican Victory Fund, Illinois Republican Party, Elect Dan McConchie

Why are you running? I am running to make Illinois a better place to work, live and raise a family. I believe the way to improve our state is to end political polarization and bring together leaders of both parties to work for solutions to benefit the people rather than the politicians in this state. With one of the highest tax burdens, lowest credit ratings and corruption that regularly makes the national news, Illinois’ problems can seem overwhelming. The status quo has gone on for so long under single-party rule that they have made us believe that there are no solutions.

I am tired of the excuses. As Illinoisans, there is nothing we cannot overcome if we work together. I know it is possible to lower taxes and create more economic opportunity because I have done it on the Madison County Board — helping to lead a successful initiative to reduce property taxes in Madison County. As a small business owner, I understand and have dealt personally with many of the government hurdles that hold entrepreneurs in Illinois back.

I am running to be a voice for our small business owners and the Illinois workforce because I know we can improve our business climate by cutting wasteful spending, balancing budgets, reducing taxes and regulations, creating new jobs and reducing regulations.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Lowering the cost of living is without a doubt the top issue that people are talking to me about every day. Record inflation, the highest grocery increases since 1979 and our current increased energy prices compounded with Illinois’ heavy tax burden are strangling the people of our community.

I would address reducing taxes in a similar way as I did on the county board, by leading initiatives to freeze or outright reduce property taxes in Illinois without negatively impacting services. The Madison County property tax levy rate is nearly 30% lower today than it was before I was elected to the board. We have reduced taxes, while increasing the sheriff’s budget by millions of dollars to ensure that we are not giving up safety to lower taxes. These are the kinds of results I brought to the county and would bring with me to Springfield.

Both Madison and St. Clair counties overwhelmingly rejected the graduated income tax, the flagship tax increase that was supported by the democratic majority. This should have sent a signal that our community wanted to reduce, rather than increase, taxes but it seems to have gone unheard. Point blank — our high taxes have made inflation worse. We must reduce the tax burden for long-term growth and give room to families struggling to make ends meet.

Why should people vote for you? I am asking people to vote for me because I want to bring their agenda to Springfield, not Springfield’s agenda to the metro-east. I will listen, learn, share and vote for their wants and needs as their true representative, rather than being another yes vote for an agenda that doesn’t benefit our community. I have a proven record of lowering property taxes.

I will also give a voice to small businesses and the families they employ who have felt left behind. I will work for lower taxes, better schools and more opportunities for everyone in our district regardless of their political affiliation.

I have spent nearly all my life in the neighborhoods I am running to represent and believe I am the best candidate to embody the amazing, hard-working and innovative people of the metro-east.

NAME: KRIS THARP

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 47

Campaign website or social media page: kristharpforsenate.com @kristharpforsenate

Office seeking: State Senate-56th District

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: I have been a police officer who has served this district for nearly 25 years. I have risen through the ranks of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and currently hold the title of captain in addition to being deputy commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis and a veteran crisis negotiator.

Education: I graduated from East Alton-Wood River Community High School in 1994. I am a first-generation college student obtaining an associate’s degree in criminal justice administration from Lewis & Clark Community College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Lindenwood University-Belleville. I obtained a graduate certificate in criminal justice from the University of Virginia while attending and graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am the president and founder of Madison County TRIAD, which brings local law enforcement, senior citizen service providers, and senior citizen volunteers together to provide information and resources to area senior citizens in the interest of enhancing the quality of life and safety for our elderly population. I have twice been awarded the elderly service officer of the year in Illinois by the Illinois Attorney General for my work with TRIAD.

I have been heavily involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. This endeavor partners law enforcement with Special Olympics Illinois.

I have been a St. Louis Guns and Hoses Committee member for nearly two decades that raises millions for BackStoppers. In 2018, I received special recognition from the Guns and Hoses organization for my contributions during my tenure. Additionally, I am a member of Wood River Township Kiwanis and the Wood River Moose.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Illinois Senate Democratic Fund, Illinois Laborers’ Legislative Committee, Laborers’ International Union of North America- Chicago Laborers’ District Council PAC

Why are you running? I was born in Wood River, IL by a single mother and relied on food stamps and community assistance to help me get to where I am today. We didn’t have a car in my family until I was a senior in high school. I know what it’s like having to decide whether to get groceries or pick up a prescription and having to leave your children at home because you don’t have a babysitter and need to go to work. I believe my story is not unique and there are a lot of people going through similar struggles who need representation in Springfield.

Before I began my career at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, I worked for two years at a police department in Missouri. My equipment was poor and my pay was low. When I started at the sheriff’s office, my pay was higher and my equipment was high quality. The difference was unions. I believe there are powers that want to strip away the rights of hard-working men and women’s ability to negotiate their pay, benefits and workplace safety. I believe union families need a voice in Springfield.

As a father, a veteran police officer, and lifelong resident of this district, I, like everyone, have concerns that our southern Illinois values are not being recognized in Springfield. The consequences are great. It is issues like the SAFE-T Act that brought me into this arena. My son is a police officer, my nephew is a police officer and my wife is a correctional officer. I believe law enforcement needs to have a voice in Springfield. There is no one better suited than me to go to Springfield and fix it.

I, like many, am tired of the finger-pointing. I believe I have the ability to bridge the gap to work with both parties and I am not afraid of tough decisions and working across the aisle to get things done in Springfield.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Protecting jobs and creating an economy to support the middle class is my top priority in the 56th district.

We need to bring good-paying manufacturing jobs back to Illinois. I remember when everyone knew someone with a job on the manufacturing line. The government needs to do more to bring good manufacturing jobs back to Illinois, not send them to right-to-work states or overseas to China. We do so by buying American and building what we need here, in the 56th district, and by investing in our inland ports.

The Mississippi River is like a highway, and I believe it is being underutilized. I will work in Springfield to bring investment here so that Southern Illinois can be a pathway for commerce. The investment will help us improve transportation and allow us to develop the riverfront creating more tourism and economic power in the area.

College should be readily available and so should trade and vocational schools. We must promote and invest in our vocational and trade programs so we have future generations of skilled workers. The building trades drive our economy and are well-paying professions with great benefits. We need to do more to introduce our young people to the possibilities and opportunities available to them.

Why should people vote for you? I am not a career politician. As a police officer, I have worked in all parts of the district fighting to serve and protect our communities. My career has centered around negotiation and making tough decisions to get things done. When it comes down to tough decisions, I will never skip out on a hard vote. I will always support our first responders and ensure they have the funding they need to keep our communities safe.

I believe all paths in my life have allowed me to be an advocate for people struggling throughout this district. As a cancer survivor, I know what medical debt burden feels like. I will fight to cut the cost of prescription drugs so people can get the life-saving medicine they need without going in debt. As a father and homeowner, I proudly support our public schools but believe we must find a better solution to funding our schools without increasing property taxes. I will push to make sure that the state gives us more instead of putting pressure on homeowners.

My mother’s time working as a CNA at a nursing home inspired me to help seniors. As an elderly service officer, I created Madison County TRIAD to help isolated seniors and let them know they are not alone through a telephone check-in program. I believe this can be expanded for seniors throughout Illinois.

I want to be a resource to families like mine, which is why I am committed to collaborating with legislators on both sides of the aisle to create policies that ease the financial burden on families while improving quality of life. I am a lifelong resident of this district. I want to create a district that our children and grandchildren can be proud to live in and a culture where we can disagree but still be friends. I know I have the ability to bring people together. I have done it my entire career. Let’s come together and get to work.

State Senate - 57th District

NAME: CHRISTOPHER BELT

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 50

Campaign website or social media page: http://beltforsenate.com/

Office seeking: State Senate-57th District

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) State Senate District 57, Cahokia Unit School District 187

Occupation: State Senator

Education: Bachelor’s degree in history from Illinois State University, master’s in public administration from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, master’s in professional counseling from Lindenwood University-Belleville

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I started my civic involvement as a probation officer for the St. Clair County Detention Center Juvenile Division where I helped young people find ways to lead productive lives. I was elected to Cahokia Unit School District 187 School Board in 2013 and later became president in 2015, guiding one of the most underserved school districts in St. Clair County. Since becoming state senator in 2018, I have dedicated my time to ensuring that every school is fully funded in our state. I have also championed legislation to address our state’s teacher shortage, ensuring that our students receive the instruction they deserve.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Illinois Democratic Heartland Committee; Illinois Senate Democratic Fund; Chicagoland Operators Join Labor-Management PAC

Why are you running? I have always been involved in my community since the day I graduated from high school. My family built their construction company in Centreville, and I have raised my two children here. I am running to create a better way of life for the people in the 57th senate district. I will always give back to the community that I have called home for my entire life.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe the top issue facing our area is the economy and people’s ability to provide for their families. Everyone has felt the squeeze that inflation has caused. That is why I voted to suspend the gas tax increase, eliminate the grocery tax for six months and give every taxpaying Illinois citizen a tax rebate this year. I have also supported programs to create job training and job placement programs so that everyone in Illinois can have access to good-paying jobs.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I love this community, I have raised my family in this community and I will never stop fighting for this community. I will keep pursuing better education for all students in the 57th senate district and ensure that we have enough teachers for our students to thrive. I will continue to champion job training programs so that everyone can earn a paycheck that provides a stable home for their family so like me they can be proud to call the 57th senate district their home.

Did not respond

Wavey T. Lester II, the Republican candidate for State Senate - 57th District, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

State House - 111th District

NAME: AMY ELIK

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 49

Campaign website or social media page: AmyElik.com and Facebook.com/amyelikforstaterep

Office seeking: State House - 111th District

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Foster Township Trustee 2013-2020

Occupation: Certified public accountant and chief financial officer

Education: Bachelor of science in accountancy-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I served my community for seven years as a Foster Township trustee, from 2013 to 2020. I have served as a school board member and volunteer with my church, St. Mary’s in Alton. I was a member of the Rotary Club of the Riverbend and involved in the Fosterburg AG 4H Club as a co-leader. I served as a volunteer and teacher with SCORE – the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors. I taught financial projection classes and consulted with entrepreneurs to start businesses. I was born and raised in Alton and Godfrey, and have always lived here. I am fully committed to the success of our entire region, including the people, organizations, churches and businesses who also call this area home like me and my family.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am proud to have hundreds of local small dollar donors. Significant support also comes from the Illinois Republican Party, the House Republican Majority and Illinois Realtor PAC.

Why are you running? As a certified public accountant, I am uniquely qualified to understand and pursue better economic policies for the state. For years I have been frustrated with the decades of high taxes, rampant corruption, and financial mismanagement in Springfield. With record inflation affecting every family’s budget, it’s more important now than ever that we improve Illinois’ financial position with balanced budgets and permanent tax relief.

My first priority as state representative is to support the people and jobs in the metro-east, with my votes in Springfield and my advocacy for our region. I will continue to use my experience as a certified public accountant to find wasteful spending and reduce our high taxes.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The cost of living in Illinois continues to climb, and people need relief from the high property taxes, gas taxes and other costs of owning a home and running a business in Illinois. I supported the food and gas tax relief that recently passed, as well as the rebates that taxpayers will see this fall. I support this direct relief to the people bearing the burden of poor federal and state policy-induced inflation.

Government cannot continue to expect more and more tax revenue on the backs of taxpayers to fund a myriad of new, and often duplicative and inefficient, programs. The most important policy legislators can implement is responsible and accountable fiscal management. By living within our means, the state can proactively relieve some of the pressure felt by Illinois families.

Why should people vote for you? As state representative since January 2021, I have been a leader on the state’s financial issues, a strong advocate for my community and a champion for economic growth in the district. As one of two CPAs in the general assembly, my financial background is needed to move the state forward in reducing the tax burden on Illinoisans. I use my voice on the floor of the House to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for sound legislation. In the district, I have worked tirelessly on the issues that matter most to constituents and they know they can count on me. I have prioritized communication to constituents and customer service in the office. I have proposed and passed common sense legislation and supported legislation important to growing our local economies and workforce. I listen to the needs of our mayors, police chiefs, school staff, workers, and businesses in the district and will continue to do so.

NAME: JOE SILKWOOD

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 62

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/joesilkwoodil

Office seeking: State House- 111th District

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) East Alton Village Mayor, East Alton Wood River Community High School District #14 School Board Member, East Alton School District #13 School Board Member, East Alton Village Trustee, Madison County Auditor

Occupation: Retired

Education: 1978 East Alton Wood River High School graduate, associate’s from Lewis and Clark Community College, bachelor of science in education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, master of public administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: East Alton Rotary Club member; vice president of the Operation Blessing Board; treasurer for the Gallatin Basketball Award, volunteer coach for baseball, soccer and basketball; former chairman of Wood River Habitat for Humanity, former board member of the Riverbend Growth Association, former Assist 14 Training Board member

Who are your top three campaign contributors? For the most current information, you can find a list of all campaign donations on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Why are you running? I am running to serve the community that I have lived in my whole life because of all that it has done for me over the years. Now, I want to serve the metro-east in Springfield to fight for our values and rights. I will go to Springfield and tell the Chicago and the Cook County politicians backing my opponent that there is a southern Illinois, and we deserve money and resources to rebuild our communities after years of neglect from the state.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

As state representative, I plan to address rising health care costs including out-of-control premium increases and price gouging on insulin and other life saving medication. I won’t be afraid to stand up to big insurance and pharmaceutical companies

While Amy Elik and her Cook County political bosses want to take away collective bargaining rights from workers and the rights of women to control their own bodies, I will fight tooth and nail to defend the rights of people in the metro-east. I am a strong supporter of the Worker’s Rights Amendment that will ensure everyone has the right to fight for higher wages, better benefits and a safe workplace. I will also always defend the rights of women to make their own decisions about their reproductive health.

Why should people vote for you? I will go to Springfield and get things done. I plan to be a voice for this community that I’ve lived in my whole life. During my time as mayor of East Alton, I delivered on funding for our police, improved roads and worked to bring new businesses and jobs. As state representative, I plan to bring more jobs and funding to the whole metro-east along with expanding funding for local schools and police without raising property taxes.

State House - 112th District

NAME: JENNIFER KORTE

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 47

Campaign website or social media page: jenniferkorte.com

Office seeking: State House - 112th District

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Stay-at-home mom

Education: Master’s in social work

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: As a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, I volunteered with a local sexual assault victims advocacy center. During this volunteer experience, I would meet with survivors of sexual assault in the emergency room to offer them advocacy, support, and resources. I also have served as a volunteer at a local pregnancy care center, at my children’s schools and in our church.

Most recently, I have worked as an advocate for parental rights and in August 2021, I joined Speak for Students as a leader. It was this advocacy that led me to launch my campaign for state representative.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? My top three donors are State Sen. Jason Plummer, Downstate Republican Caucus, and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin

Why are you running? I am running for office because taxes are too high, inflation is out of control and to advocate for parental rights. Our state government is encroaching on our school system and we need to keep the school control at a local level. I love Illinois, and I have no intention of leaving, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult to stay here. I know too many who are considering leaving the state for more tax- and business-friendly states. I believe our government needs to start managing our state within a balanced budget. They need to stop raising our taxes so businesses and families can get long-term tax relief.

My opponent, Katie Stuart, votes in favor of her Chicago donors and has ignored the people and businesses in our district. I am tired of out-of-touch politicians and believe it is time for some common-sense leadership in Springfield. Katie Stuart is out of touch with the values of her district. While real families are hurting with the price of food, gas, and the cost to heat and cool their homes, my opponent is more focused on her radical agenda by promoting age-inappropriate sex education in our schools and for putting feminine products in men’s bathrooms.

She has been in office for five years and has done nothing to permanently lower taxes, reduce spending or make Illinois more attractive to prospective employers. However, she did vote in favor of a state budget that included pay raises to legislators — even after she promised she would never give herself a raise.

I am running to restore Illinois and to enact the reforms we need to move our state forward. I will advocate for reduced spending, lower taxes, safer communities and parental rights. I will protect the senior citizens, support law enforcement and advocate for our schools. I will stand up for common-sense solutions to the challenges facing our state. I will be the citizen led legislator our district deserves.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? What I hear from voters when I go door-to-door is the dissatisfaction with the general direction of the state of Illinois. They are concerned about the cost of groceries, their utility bills, US Steel closing, over regulation of businesses and high taxes. I will fight to lower taxes, create more jobs and work with the people in our district to come up with solutions as a representative should.

I will be an approachable, citizen legislator who will put the values of this district first. I will fight for the structural reforms we need to reduce spending, lower taxes, attract new jobs and opportunities and get Illinois back on track.

Why should people vote for you? I have lived in Madison County my entire life, and I am raising my family here. My dad worked at Granite City Steel, and I understand the economic hardships that will occur from closing the steel mill. I have an understanding of our district and can provide new ideas for change in Illinois.

Voters can count on me to listen to them and their concerns. I will treat people with dignity and respect whether they agree with me or not. I will stand up to the culture of corruption in Springfield and I will put the people of the 112th District first. I will be the citizen legislator our district needs and deserves.

NAME: KATIE STUART

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 51

Campaign website or social media page: http://stuartforrep.com/

Office seeking: State House - 112th District

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) IL House of Reps District 112

Occupation: Teacher

Education: B.A.- Rutgers University, M.A.- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I moved to Edwardsville in 1994 and began my career as an educator in Highland, then working as an elementary and high school teacher in Edwardsville and finally working as a math instructor at SIUE. As a teacher, I was actively engaged with my students and learned a lot about the issues and problems that they and their families faced. As state representative, I have focused on solving those problems and being the most engaged legislator possible.

I have knocked on thousands of doors across the district to hear firsthand what issues are most important to people and have hosted dozens of events, ranging from shred days to utility bill clinics to various drives for local shelters and charities. I have tried to be as engaged as possible with local issues and stay in regular contact with other elected officials and local organizations on our communities’ needs.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am supported by a variety of labor unions and business organizations.

Why are you running? As a teacher, I saw firsthand the effects that underfunding our schools has on our students and the communities they live in. I decided to run for office when I saw the current representative failing to address these needs, and I wanted to bring the perspective of a teacher to our capitol. Since being elected, I have focused on improving the lives of working families and investing more into our public education system. I have worked to make our state a better place for teachers, students and families. I want to continue to fight for our communities and make them the best place possible to live, work and receive an education in.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I have heard the most about our economy, including rising prices and creating new jobs in our communities. To build a stronger state, we must have an economy that works for all of us. As we see inflation continue to rise, I voted to suspend the grocery tax, freeze the gas tax, and deliver new property tax rebates for homeowners and income tax credits.

While small steps, it’s our job to deliver some relief where possible. I also know that we have a serious shortage of workers for jobs paying $35 or more an hour, such as welders, electricians and carpenters. I’m investing in vocational education and expanding access to skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities to prepare the next generation for high-wage jobs.

Why should people vote for you? During my time in office, I have proven to be a strong voice for our communities. I have focused on real issues, like improving our workforce, putting more money into education and SIUE, and getting solutions to real problems. I have stood up to extremists in both parties and will work with anyone to get anything done. While too many are focused on partisan games and blaming others, I have focused on priorities like tackling rising costs, lowering property taxes, and creating safer communities. I’ve fought the insurance and drug companies to implement a prescription drug affordability board and passed new measures to cap the price of insulin.

I’ve also stood up to fight for equal pay for women and to protect a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions. My views and work in Springfield have been reflective of the district I serve, and I will continue to stand up for the issues important to our communities and fight for our region.

State House - 113th District

NAME: JAY C. HOFFMAN

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 61

Campaign website or social media page: http://jayhoffman.com/

Office seeking: State House - 113th District

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): State representative

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Bachelor of science in finance and Juris Doctor

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: My entire adult life I have been involved with organizations in our area that continually make a difference in people’s lives. During my time in the Illinois General Assembly, I have worked with these organizations to assist with employment opportunities, economic opportunities, educational opportunities, healthcare and family support. I will continue that involvement whether or not I am re-elected as state representative.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have been lucky enough to receive the support of individuals and organizations that represent working families. A complete listing of all contributions is contained on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Why are you running? I want to give back to my community in a way that provides a metro-east for residents to live, work, play, receive a quality education and raise a family. Serving as state representative allows me the opportunity to make a difference. I have worked hard on projects in the metro-east bringing critical funding and creating jobs in the area.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I know that inflation and rising costs are hurting working families and seniors and I have worked to eliminate the sales tax on groceries and school supplies, frozen the gas tax, voted to create a new property tax rebate with direct payment to homeowners, expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit and increased funding for public safety, schools and senior services. I will continue to provide jobs, economic opportunities and relief to working families.

Why should people vote for you? I continually work in a bipartisanship manner. I helped negotiate the historic $45 billion dollar state infrastructure plan. That plan provided funding for repaving of I-255, incentives to ensure the investment of the Boeing manufacturing facility creating at least 300 new jobs, the restructuring of the Martin Luther King Bridge and infrastructure funding that helped bring the first NASCAR cup race to the metro-east.

As a former prosecutor I know crime is a subject that must be addressed. Public safety is a top priority and I voted to pass a budget that provides millions of dollars to hire more local and state police officers, train forensic scientists, fund new state police classes, and expand local police training programs at Southwestern Illinois College. Additionally, I worked to fund the old Lindenwood-Belleville campus to focus on a center for police and forensic training.

Metro-east schools finally receive their fair share of educational funding. I worked hard to pass the evidence-based funding formula that ensured all schools in Illinois, particularly the metro-east schools, receive adequate funding. This year alone we provided over $250 million additional funding for our schools. My leadership and experience allow me to work effectively for my district. If given the honor to be re-elected, the people of metro-east can count on me to work with anyone, regardless of party, to strengthen middle-class families and help the metro-east.

NAME: ASHLEY HUNSAKER

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 40

Campaign website or social media page: http://www.ashleyforrep.com/

Office seeking: State House - 113th District

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: CEO

Education: Bachelor of science in accounting

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: For the past several years, I volunteered for the board of the Mosaic Health located in Fairview Heights and in Granite City. Mosaic Health offers no cost and confidential pregnancy help, testing, and sexual health service to those in the community and beyond.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Jim Durkin – Illinois House Republican Leader

Why are you running? I am running for office because I’ve dedicated my life to caring for the people around me. I strive to care for my community, my clients, my employees and my family. I view running for office is an extension of that: a way to care for those around me.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My top issue is the high taxes and cost of living in Illinois. Nearly every door I have knocked on in this campaign season, Democrat or Republican, the number one issue has been property taxes. There are “for sale” signs in every neighborhood. Living in the metro-east, all we have to do is look across the river and see houses similar to our own but with significantly lower taxes in Missouri.

Over 30% of my property tax bill goes to the pension debt, so reforming pensions can help drive down property taxes. Second, I would support PTELL reforms and create first-time homeowner tax exemptions, expand or allow transferability of senior freeze exemption, and require taxing bodies to refund excess collections.

As a small business owner, I am living the reality of rising inflation. The responsibility to our employees is a great one. I must make some hard decisions to not continue with some business expenses that are not essential and to increase the pay of our employees. I would take this same principle to Springfield. Every choice has a consequence – good or bad – and to reduce this hardship we will make some short-term sacrifices for long-term gains.

I would support a reduction of the gas tax, not just a suspension. I would also support the reduction of any local tax that went to non-essential expenses. I would also support the reduction of taxes and regulations on businesses – so that the businesses can keep well-paying jobs in Illinois. Our hard-working families are struggling to make ends meet, and yet our politicians voted in favor of giving themselves a pay increase to keep up with inflation. I would have opposed a pay hike for politicians.

Why should people vote for you? My opponent, Jay Hoffman, is a career politician that has been in office since 1991. He is more concerned with keeping his political power than he is with helping and keeping families in our community.

Hoffman voted in support of the SAFE-T act. He supported an increase in politicians’ pay. Hoffman voted in support of the repeal of the law requiring parental notification of abortion.

Illinois taxpayers deserve a government committed to our safety; a government committed to eliminating fraud; a government transparent with our financials; and a government held accountable for their actions. I have no interest in becoming a career politician, but I am willing to fight for a government that is committed to safety, reduction of taxes, empowering parents and eliminating public fraud for the sake of the families living in my community.

State House - 114th District

NAME: LATOYA N. GREENWOOD

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 48

Campaign website or social media page: Friends of LaToya Greenwood - Facebook

Office seeking: State House - 114th District

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) East St. Louis City Council — twice elected (2011 & 2015). IL Representative, 114th District — elected in 2016. 13th Congressional District State Committeewoman — elected in 2022.

Occupation: Executive Director of Human Resources

Education: Michigan State University, bachelor of arts in criminal justice and master’s degree in public administration and policy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have been actively involved in the community since a youth. I grew up in a family that believed in giving back to the community and helping those in need. Currently, I am involved in numerous organizations that give back to the community. I am active in my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - Delta Delta Omega Chapter, Top Ladies of Distinction Inc. - East St. Louis Chapter, and I am a lifetime member of the NAACP - East St. Louis branch. Also, I work with local churches and community organizations throughout the metro-east region.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have been fortunate enough to receive donations in all amounts from my constituents and supporters. The Illinois State Board of Elections has a complete listing all of my contributions.

Why are you running? I want to continue to advocate for the many issues faced by the residents of the 114th District, focusing on access, equity, and opportunity, specifically centered around job creation, economic growth, education funding, reproductive health, maternal and infant mortality and access to healthcare.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? While out meeting with constituents, the issues that are most important are pertaining to the economy, job opportunities and training, access to higher education, and rising healthcare costs. I voted on a balanced budget that included $1.8 billion in tax relief for families. The budget invested in help for Illinois families who are struggling. I voted for investments in education, which included funding MAP grants for nearly 25,000 additional students.

As chair of the Healthcare Access & Availability Committee, I voted for and I am committed to supporting healthcare providers through the lingering challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, strengthening mental health services and the social service safety net. I will continue to support lifting up all communities in the 114th District and the metro-east region.

Why should people vote for you? When I first ran for this position, I said that my number one goal would be to effectively communicate with my constituents so that I could be a strong voice in Springfield for the needs of our district. I have been a fighter for the needs of the communities that I represent. From the funding of Trauma Wraparound Wellness Center in East St. Louis, the infrastructure dollars to Cahokia Heights, the Boeing manufacturing facility in Mascoutah, the relocation and funding of the Illinois State Police Metro East Regional Headquarters in East St. Louis, to funding the Workforce Equity Initiative at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville. None of this work can be done alone, and if elected for another term, I look forward to continuing to partner with constituents, to continue building relationships and to continue to lift up Illinois.

NAME: KEVIN SCHMIDT

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 40

Campaign website or social media page: https://schmidtforil.com/

Office seeking: State House - 114th District

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) I ran for state representative in 2020.

Occupation: Chiropractor

Education: Graduated from Belleville West High School. I attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and received my doctor of chiropractic and bachelor of science in human biology at Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I ran for state representative in 2020. I am involved in the St. Clair County Republican Party as a precinct committeeman. I am past president of the Jaycees and Millstadt Optimist Club. I am also a member of the Millstadt Chamber of Commerce. I am a Shriner and a member of the masons.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? My top three donors are me, Joe Koppeis, a business owner and George Obernagel, a small business owner.

Why are you running? Illinois is a great state with terrible leaders.

LaToya Greenwood has been in office for five years. During that time, she has voted to raise taxes, increase state spending, increase utility bills, and has not offered any solutions to root out the culture of corruption in Illinois. She supported mandating the radical National Sex Standards in our classrooms and she continues to oppose giving parents real choice in the education of their children. And despite her abysmal record, she has consistently voted to give herself a pay raise.

Enough is enough.

The state is taking too much in taxes and too much of our freedoms. Illinois is one of the highest taxed states in the country. Every budget J.B. Pritzker has signed into law has set a new record for state spending. We need to reduce spending so that we can provide meaningful tax relief to Illinois residents – not the insignificant, temporary tax relief lawmakers approved last spring. The policies coming from Springfield are hurting working families. I am running to be the advocate Illinois families need and deserve.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Voters are concerned about rising inflation. They are concerned about the high taxes in Illinois, and they are concerned about where we are headed as a state in light of the lockdowns and the mandates during the pandemic. I think more than anything, voters want someone who will listen to them and advocate for the issues important to them.

We have to make our state more attractive to potential employers. We have to stop the exodus of people from our state, and we have to stop pretending that the bad policies coming from the House and the Senate are nonfactors in the exodus. People are tired of the status quo, and they want real change, and they want it now.

Sadly, my opponent LaToya Greenwood, is part of the problem, not the solution. Rep. Greenwood voted for the SAFE-T Act. She voted to double the gas tax, which is hurting families in the 114th District. She voted for the Illinois version of the Green New Deal, which is directly contributing to utility bills being doubled. She voted to make Illinois a sanctuary state. She has consistently put far-left ideology ahead of the interests of the people she is supposed to represent.

I will never waver in supporting the values of this district. I will push for spending reform, pension reform, tax reform and meaningful ethics reforms to root out the culture of corruption in Springfield and bring jobs and opportunities back to Illinois.

Why should people vote for you? We have serious problems in Illinois, and we need innovative solutions to solve them. All we are going to get from LaToya is more of the same. I will bring a new approach. One of the things I have done in my business is charge my patients a flat $19 fee for services. I did not need a government program to figure out how to lower healthcare costs for my patients. I did it on my own. We tend to complicate issues like healthcare and education and make the cost of government greater than it should be.

I intend to take the same common-sense approach I have successfully used in my private practice to state government. We can’t keep ignoring the structural problems facing our state. We need meaningful solutions now and voting for more of the same is not going to get us where we need to be.

5th Appellate Court judge (Overstreet vacancy)

NAME: BRIAN ROBERTS

Political party: Democratic

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 54

Campaign website or social media page: None

Office seeking: Fifth District Appellate Court judge

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought.) Jackson County circuit judge

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Juris doctor, Southern Illinois University School of Law

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Shawnee Healthcare Board, 2017-2021; St. Andrews School Board 2012-2016.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None to date

Why are you running? To ensure that the rule of law is applied fairly and equally with objectivity, guided by an understanding of how legal decisions realistically impact people’s lives.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Partisanship and personal interest have no place in the justice system.

Why should people vote for you? I present myself as a judicial candidate with no agenda, a commitment to service and a strong belief that the rules and privileges that we all enjoy must be steadfastly applied so that no citizen is deprived of the rights guaranteed them and that those who seek justice are treated fairly under the law.

Did not respond

Mike McHaney, the Republican candidate for 5th Appellate Court judge (Overstreet vacancy), did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

3rd Judicial Circuit Judge (Dugan vacancy)

NAME: CHRISTOPHER THRELKELD

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 54

Campaign website or social media page: www.electjudgethrelkeld.com

Office seeking: 3rd Judicial Circuit, 1st Subcircuit, Dugan vacancy

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Circuit judge

Education: B.A. The Citadel: The Military College of S.C.; M.B.A., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; J.D. Saint Louis University School of Law

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Army National Guard; American Red Cross blood donor; local food pantry supporter; Restore Decor supporter; pro bono attorney representation for individuals and charities; established, pro bono, several charitable not for profit organizations in the community including S.A.K. (Serving Area Kids summer lunch program) and Edwardsville Arts Center; past president of the Optimist Club; past president of the Madison County Bar Association; volunteered for city-wide clean up in Alton; volunteer for church missions including Backpack Blowout, AWANA Club, Operation Christmas Child; Boy Scouts of America volunteer; African Vision of Hope child sponsor.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Volunteers for Shimkus, Madison County Republican Central Committee, Jananne Threlkeld

Why are you running? I am running because of my commitment to serving the people of Madison County and protecting and preserving the Constitution.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? There are many issues that are important to me as a sitting judge. A principal duty of a judge is to uphold the sanctity of the law. I am committed to applying the law in a non-biased approach to all litigants, to preserving the integrity of the court system, and to serving my community.

Why should people vote for you? As a lifelong resident of Madison County, I continuously practiced law here for 20 years prior to my judicial appointment and I am the only sitting judge in the race. The Illinois Supreme Court appointed me as a circuit judge in 2020 and reappointed me in 2021. I am thoroughly honored in the confidence and trust that the justices of the Supreme Court have shown in me. Over 86% of attorneys responding to an Illinois State Bar Association poll found that I was qualified and recommended. Over 92% said I would adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office. I have extensive courtroom experience both as an attorney and as a judge. I have presided over numerous jury trials as well as a docket consisting of major civil litigation. Jury trials are a cornerstone of our Constitution. I have and will continue to be committed to impartiality, fairness and equal justice in the courtroom. I am asking for your vote on Nov. 8.

Did not respond

John Barry Julian, the Democratic candidate for 3rd Judicial Circuit Judge (Dugan vacancy), did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

3rd Judicial Circuit Judge (Mudge vacancy)

NAME: TIM BERKLEY

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 60

Campaign website or social media page: www.timberkleyforcircuitjudge.com

Office seeking: Madison County Circuit Judge (Hon. Bill Mudge vacancy)

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, I was elected to the Roxana Board of Education, where I served as vice president.

Occupation: Attorney/State of Illinois assistant appellate prosecutor

Education: Juris doctor, University of Tulsa College of Law; B.S. in government, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I served as a Roxana School Board vice president, a founding member of the task force to establish the Madison County Assessment & Treatment Alternative Court (MC-ATAC Drug Court Program), and a founding member of the task force to establish the Truancy Court Diversion Program. I am a member of the Madison County Bar Association, where I previously served as chairman of the criminal justice committee. I have also been a guest lecturer and presenter at concealed carry training classes. I am a patriot life member of the National Rifle Association, life member of the Illinois State Rifle Association and a member of the Edwardsville Gun Club and the Wood River Moose Lodge.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Contribution to judicial candidates are made to the campaign committee and not to the candidate.

Why are you running? I am running for circuit judge to fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of the Hon. Bill Mudge, chief judge. I am highly qualified to hold the office and committed to the concept that everyone deserves fair and equal access to justice. I believe the judiciary should be independent of party politics and mandates. Serving as a circuit judge has always been a career goal, and I will bring my extensive legal experience and strong work ethic with me to the bench. I will faithfully serve the citizens of Madison County by administering justice fairly and impartially as their next circuit judge.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The reputation of our courts is always the top issue. I will strive to improve the judiciary by adhering to the rule of law and will judge in accordance with what the constitution and the law require. I will immediately work to make the judicial system more efficient and work to reduce the backlog of criminal cases to promptly enforce the rights of the accused and bring justice to victims.

Why should people vote for you? A judge should be, among other things, knowledgeable and experienced. I am a conservative, lifelong Madison County resident. I have over three decades of courtroom and trial experience as a former prosecutor, public defender and appellate law clerk, where I assisted in the drafting of appellate court orders and opinions. As a private practitioner, I have represented clients throughout central and southern Illinois, as well as in federal court. I have drafted numerous appellate court briefs and argued on behalf of the people of the state of Illinois before the Fifth District Appellate Court.

My wife, Sherry, and I are Roxana graduates and lifelong residents of Madison County. We have been married for 37 years and are devoted parents and grandparents.

Did not respond

A. Ryan Jumper, the Democratic candidate for 3rd Judicial Circuit Judge (Mudge vacancy), did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

3rd Judicial Circuit Judge (Tognarelli vacancy)

NAME: EBONY HUDDLESTON

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 42

Campaign website or social media page: www.huddleston4judge.com

Office seeking: Circuit judge

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Xavier University of Louisiana - BA in English, Spanish and accounting; Ohio Northern University - JD

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Ebony has served on the board of directors for the Alton YWCA and Boys & Girls Club, United Way Allocations Committee, Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club, Madison County Bar Association, and Alton-Wood River Bar Association. She currently sits on the board of directors of the Clayton and Virginia Williams Foundation Justice Advocacy Group, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Alton Memorial Hospital and is vice president of IMPACT CIL (Center for Independent Living) in Alton, IL.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? The Gori Law Firm; Pratt & Tobin, P.C.; Ann Callis

Why are you running? The courts serve the people and not the other way around. The general impression and feeling that judges are above the citizens they serve or above the law must be changed. This is done by electing judges who are reflective of the community they serve. I will advance the court by ensuring that I conduct my courtroom with compassion, understanding and integrity and treat every individual who comes before me with dignity and respect regardless of their circumstances. I offer the ethical, moral and legal fortitude necessary to fairly apply the facts to the law when deciding cases.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The citizens who come before the judges in Madison County should feel as if they will be heard and that that they will be treated fairly regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, race and religious beliefs.

Why should people vote for you? My integrity, dedication, determination and investment in my community set me apart from my opponent. I am a working mom born to a coal miner and educator who worked hard to earn an education, become an attorney and eventually start my own law firm in Alton, Illinois. I have been committed to improving the legal profession and access to justice for my entire legal career. I have taught in the paralegal program at Lewis & Clark Community College and have extensive courtroom experience in various areas of the law such as business litigation, real estate, civil litigation, probate and estate planning, tax litigation and family matters. Not only do I possess the educational qualifications and practical experience to preside over cases, I am willing to sit at the table with those of differing political views to point out the flaws occurring in our judicial system and with respect and transparency demand accountability and implement change.

Did not respond

Amy Sholar, the Republican candidate for 3rd Judicial Circuit Judge (Tognarelli vacancy), did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

20th Judicial Circuit Judge (Duebbert vacancy)

NAME: PATRICK FOLEY

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 48

Campaign website or social media page: http://www.pfoleyforjudge.com/

Office seeking: 20th Judicial Circuit Judge (Duebbert vac.)

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Associate judge

Education: St. Louis University Law- graduated Magna Cum Laude 2002

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have worked for middle class families, unions and teachers throughout my professional career and have dedicated my adult life to serving the community.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Unknown

Why are you running? To continue to serve the community

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Unable to answer

Why should people vote for you? I have the highest judicial ratings of all candidates running for circuit judge. I have lived in the community for over 20 years with my wife and children

NAME: WILLIAM “BILL” STIEHL

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 70

Campaign website or social media page: www.judgebillstiehl.com

Office seeking: 20th Judicial Circuit Judge (Duebbert vac.)

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Circuit judge

Education: BA from Vanderbilt University; JD from Tulane University School of Law

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am on the board of the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund, which provides college scholarships for students from East St. Louis as well as educational and recreational opportunities for younger students. I was instrumental in founding and served on the board of Family Hospice, which provides hospice services at no charge to its clients. I was president of the Belleville Chapter of Rotary International. I am currently a Shriner, a member of the Belle-Scott Committee and the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. I’ve been a sponsor of Belleville’s Art on the Square for many years.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I do not keep track of who my contributors are and the amount of their contributions, so to avoid even the appearance of favoritism, I encourage voters to access that information for both candidates on the website of the Illinois State Board of Elections, www.elections.il.gov .

Why are you running? I am the only candidate with experience as a circuit judge. While there are 20 judges in St. Clair County, I am the only Republican. No one political party should have a complete monopoly of the judiciary.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The judiciary in St. Clair County should be balanced and not dominated by one viewpoint. Everyone should be assured of a fair trial. I am a candidate who owes no political debt to anyone, and I believe that residents of St. Clair County deserve a judiciary that is fair and balanced.

Why should people vote for you? I firmly believe that politics has no place in the courtroom. I was appointed to this position in 2020 by a unanimous Supreme Court. Since my appointment, I have been assigned to a major civil jury trial docket. In a poll of attorneys conducted by the Illinois State Bar Association, over 94% of the attorneys responding said that I have the knowledge, ethics, integrity, temperament and ability to be an effective circuit judge. I have earned a reputation for being fair and impartial. The courts should be free from political influence; I did not seek the endorsement of a political party’s screening committee or powerful political bosses or attorneys. I owe no political debts or favors to anyone. By voting for me, voters can cast a ballot for a judiciary that is balanced and free from political influence.

20th Judicial Circuit Judge (McGlynn vacancy)

NAME: PAUL J. EVANS

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 62

Campaign website or social media page: paulevansforjudge.com

Office seeking: Circuit Judge

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Circuit Judge, Illinois General Assembly Representative

Occupation: Owner and Principal Evans Law Firm PC

Education: Juris Doctor, SIU-C, 1988; B.S. agribusiness economics, SIU-C, 1981

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Former state representative; founding member and board member of Metro-East Parks and Recreation District; past president O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce. I have served on a number of local charities, including helping to establish and being the first president of the O’Fallon Early Childhood Foundation. I was on the St. Teresa School Board and president of St. John’s Daycare Board of Directors. I have served on a number of other boards, including Fontebella Maternity Home, and the O’Fallon Little Panthers, a youth sports program. I assisted with the formation of CLIFFTOP, NFP (creating several open spaces in Monroe and Randolph counties) and was its attorney for a number of years. I am active in my church.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? As of now I am self-funded.

Why are you running? I have been practicing in St. Clair County for more than 30 years. I have experience in more than just one or two areas of law. I believe that with my diverse legal experience, combined with my community and family experience, I will be able to well serve the people as their judge, being able to relate to a wide variety of people and life events that bring them before the court.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? There is a widespread belief that politics plays an oversized role in the courtroom and that politics and family connections play an oversized role in the courtroom, which overshadows the law and the facts. As a political outsider, my presence as a judge can provide people confidence their case will be decided based upon the law and the facts and not political party or connections.

Why should people vote for you? I will be a good, fair, and independent judge who will treat all equally.

NAME: KEVIN T. HOERNER

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 60

Campaign website or social media page: HoernerForJudge.com and Facebook.com/HoernerforJudge

Office seeking: Circuit Court Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit (McGlynn Vacancy)

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Appellate Court Judge - Fifth Judicial District (2018)

Occupation: Associate Circuit Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit

Education: I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1984) and my law degree from the Saint Louis University School of Law (1987).

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am active with numerous charitable and civic organizations, including Catholic Urban Programs, Memorial Hospital Foundation and East St. Louis Catholic Grade School Alumni Association, and I have been associated with others in the past, including Land of Lincoln Legal Services, the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois and Rotary Club, to name a few. It was my honor to be awarded the Judge Richard A. Hudlin, IV Memorial Award, presented by the St. Clair County Bar Association for commitment to community service.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Unknown; I am not personally involved in campaign fundraising because Canon 7 of the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judicial candidates from personally soliciting or accepting campaign contributions, but permits judicial candidates to establish a campaign committee to do so.

Why are you running? As a lifelong resident of St. Clair County, I am committed to public service to our community. As a practicing attorney, I served as both a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois for 15-plus years and as an Assistant State’s Attorney for St. Clair County for 20-plus years. For the past 3-plus years, I’ve been privileged to serve as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit. I would be honored and humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve the residents of St. Clair County as Circuit Court Judge.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I am unable to respond because Canon 7 of the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judicial candidates from making statements that commit or appear to commit the candidate with respect to cases, controversies or issues within cases that are likely to come before the court.

Why should people vote for you? My personal background, education, professional career as a lawyer over 32-plus years and service as a judge since 2019, and my involvement in so many civic and charitable organizations, demonstrates my lifelong commitment to honesty, integrity, community and public service. Guided by the long-standing principle of “equal justice under the law,” I seek to provide fair and impartial interpretation and application of Illinois law for all of St. Clair County; and I am honored to have been “recommended” for Circuit Court Judge by Illinois Attorneys in the Illinois State Bar Association Judicial Advisory Poll.

This story was originally published September 30, 2022 at 5:30 AM.