BND 2026 Voter Guide: St. Clair County Board District 14 Democratic primary

Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the St. Clair County Board District 14 Democratic primary that features write-in candidate Daniel Guest and Robert “Bob” Trentman, who is the incumbent in the district that includes the Swansea and Shiloh areas.

The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested races in the March 17 Illinois primary and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.

While this article has information about candidates in District 14 in St. Clair County, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about other candidates running in the primary.

Below are the responses from Guest and Trentman. They are the two candidates running to be the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 election. (They’re listed alphabetically.)

NAME: DANIEL GUEST (write-in)

Age as of March 17, 2026: 53

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.guest.3576

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board member District 14

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, Swansea trustee 2017

Occupation: Child welfare specialist

Education: Bachelor of Arts University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana 1994, Master of Arts 202, Eden Theological Seminary

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Helping others has always mattered to me, and I’ve seen how small acts can spark real change. In college, serving as campus affairs chairperson, I organized students to advocate for building accessibility in Champaign and Urbana, IL. Supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act made campus more welcoming. Later, as a youth counselor in Chicago, I was inspired by students’ determination and felt privileged to help them pursue their goals.

After changing careers, I joined Behavioral Health Response in St. Louis as a crisis worker with the police department. Later, as a community engagement liaison, I taught social-emotional learning, suicide prevention and trauma-informed practices. Each role showed me how much hope and healing come when communities unite. I also partnered with organizations to explain how supporting mental health benefits everyone.

Civic activities have given me meaningful ways to give back. I volunteered for campaigns for Obama, Harris, and others who inspired unity. As a board director with Congregations United, I helped bring people together to tackle issues like Medicaid expansion. Working with passionate community members showed me real progress is possible when we lift each other up. Through Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, I find fulfillment in everyday service — neighborhood cleanups, tutoring and more. This spirit keeps me connected to my community.

In 2017 or 2018, I ran for Swansea Trustee. Even though I didn’t win, I discovered many neighbors shared my dreams for our community. Their willingness to speak up, even against powerful voices, gave me hope that together, we can make a difference.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? My top campaign contributors have been myself, my family, lifelong friends, and everyday citizens who want to see change. No corporations or special interest groups have contributed.

How much money have you raised for your campaign? $700

Why are you running? I am running for a seat on the County Board (District 14) because I believe our community needs fresh leadership from time to time. Career politicians, even with good intentions, can lose touch with the needs and hopes of the people after many years in office. They may start to accept the status quo, even when old solutions no longer work for us. I offer a practical approach to governing, making sure we have the community’s support before spending our tax dollars. I want to bring people together by focusing on what we all value: putting food on the table, keeping our neighborhoods safe, having a solid roof over our heads, and helping our most vulnerable neighbors through volunteer work and programs that lift people up, not just maintain dependency. Above all, I am here to listen, to understand the hopes and dreams of our neighbors, and to stand up for justice and fairness.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My top priorities in St. Clair County are tackling rising property taxes, improving our education system, and addressing unchecked county spending.

One major concern is the $160 million spent on the county-owned MidAmerica Airport and when it will finally break even. So far, it’s the bondholders who have benefited most, not the taxpayers. We should spread out this cost to gradually lower the amount of taxpayer money going to the airport.

When it comes to education, we need to cut unnecessary administrative costs and put more focus on growing trade programs, especially those that prepare students for well-paying jobs in technology and manufacturing. My first step would be to invest in expanding the program with SWIC, working with partners like Boeing and local teams in composite, mechanical, and electrical fields. I also want to bring this program into our high schools to help students in St. Clair County find good careers in manufacturing.

Finally, I want to grow programs that encourage neighbors to help each other by building a volunteer group of students and community members who can lend a hand to those going through tough times, whether it’s lawn care or small home repairs. This idea will need more planning to work well, but I believe it’s time for us to reconnect as neighbors and remember that we all need each other to succeed.

Why should people vote for you? I am asking for your vote because my focus is on serving others, not seeking recognition or status. My life has always been about service, whether helping families through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, supporting members and friends at Living The Word Church, or volunteering with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. My experience ranges from the boardroom to social work, and I believe this background prepares me well to serve the people of St. Clair County. While I respect and honor my opponent’s long service (16 years) as a board member, trustee, and/or as highway commissioner, I think it is time for new ideas and new approaches that will help us build a stronger, successful legacy for the next generation in a rapidly changing, evolving economy and world.

Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No

NAME: ROBERT “BOB” TRENTMAN

Age as of March 17, 2026: 61

Campaign website or social media page: Facebook Robert Trentman

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board District 14

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) St. Clair Township road commissioner and trustee, St. Clair County Board member

Occupation: Road commissioner, union laborer hodcarrier

Education: Belleville West, Freeburg, Belleville Area College, Auto diesel trade school, asbestos hazardous waste training through Laborers Union

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Miles Davis House, Gateway Pet Guardians, Wreaths Across America, Bombas Sock Giving Partner, Pumpkin Fest and Hayrides

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Union organizations, Democrat Party, myself

How much money have you raised for your campaign? $500

Why are you running? To continue to provide help to area residents where no issue is too small.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Making sure St Clair County remains a great place to live and raise a family. Making sure our economic development plan brings in good businesses which provide living wages and benefits for our area residents. Making sure Scott Air Force Base always calls St. Clair County its home.

Why should people vote for you? Been around for awhile. I like helping families out best I can.

Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No

This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 1:30 AM.