2026 Republican Candidates
GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3
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Mclean County Board District 1 Andy Ziebarth represents District 1 on the McLean County Board, where he serves on the Justice and Land Use and Transportation committees. Raised on a farm near Hudson, Andy understands the priorities and challenges facing rural communities. He brings professional leadership and security experience to the Board and is committed to responsible government, public safety and protecting the quality of life McLean County residents value.
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Mclean County Board District 2 William “Bill” Friedrich is a longtime McLean County Board member representing District 2. A corn and soybean farmer from rural Heyworth, Bill brings practical agricultural and financial experience to county government. He serves on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Rules Subcommittee. Bill is committed to responsible budgeting, efficient government and ensuring that the interests of rural communities and taxpayers are strongly represented. |
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McLean County Board District 3 Brian Bangert represents District 3 on the McLean County Board and serves on its Health and Property committees. As general manager of Funk Farms Trust, Brian brings extensive agricultural, business and land-management experience to county government. He is committed to responsible stewardship, thoughtful decision-making and ensuring that the needs and values of McLean County’s rural communities are well represented. |
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Candidate For Mclean County Board District 4 Jerry Klinkner is a longtime Normal resident and community advocate running for McLean County Board District 4. He has remained actively involved in local issues and understands the importance of accountable, responsive government. Jerry is committed to fiscal responsibility, strong public safety and ensuring taxpayers have a clear voice in decisions affecting their families and community. |
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Candidate For Mclean County Board District 5 Jeff Lord is a retired national bank examiner and candidate for McLean County Board District 5. With decades of experience in banking, financial oversight and regulatory accountability, Jeff understands the importance of sound budgeting and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. He is committed to fiscal responsibility, transparent government and practical solutions that keep McLean County safe, affordable and prosperous. |
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Mclean County Board District 7 Geoff Tompkins currently represents District 7 on the McLean County Board and serves on the Health and Property committees. He brings a practical, common-sense approach to county government, with a strong commitment to public safety, responsible spending and respect for taxpayers. Geoff works to ensure that District 7 residents have a dependable voice and that McLean County remains a safe, affordable and welcoming place to call home. |
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Candidate for McLean County Board District 9 Kevin Lower is a longtime Bloomington resident, small-business owner and experienced public servant. Having previously served on the Bloomington City Council, Kevin understands the importance of responsible spending, accountable government and strong public services. As a candidate for McLean County Board District 9, he is committed to representing residents with common sense, integrity and a focus on keeping McLean County a safe and affordable place to live, work and raise a family. |
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Candidate For Mclean County Board District 10 Matt Steinkoenig is a lifelong McLean County resident, husband, father and veteran firefighter running for County Board District 10. With 20 years of service in the Normal Fire Department, Matt brings firsthand experience in public safety, teamwork and responsible leadership. He is committed to accountable government, careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and keeping McLean County a safe, strong and affordable place to raise a family. |
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Kathy Michael has served as McLean County Clerk for 15 years, providing experienced leadership in elections, vital records, property-tax extension, business services and document recording. She is committed to protecting the integrity of local elections, maintaining accurate public records and providing dependable service to residents. Kathy continues to bring extensive knowledge, dedication and accountability to this important countywide office. |
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Candidate For Mclean County Sheriff Jon Albee is a 16-year veteran of the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, where he currently serves as a lieutenant and Operations Commander. His experience includes service as a K-9 handler, field training coordinator and patrol division leader. A lifelong area resident with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and advanced command training from Northwestern University, Jon is committed to proactive public safety, professional development and strong community partnerships as McLean County’s next sheriff. |
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Mclean County Treasurer Rebecca McNeil has served as McLean County Treasurer since 2003, bringing more than two decades of experience to the responsible management of county finances. She oversees property-tax collection and distribution while safeguarding public funds and providing dependable service to taxpayers. Rebecca remains committed to accuracy, transparency and sound financial stewardship on behalf of McLean County residents. |
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Regional Educational Superintendent Molly Allen serves as Regional Superintendent of Schools for Regional Office of Education 17, supporting schools across McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties. A former teacher, assistant principal and elementary principal, Molly brings extensive classroom and administrative experience to the role. She is committed to strengthening educational leadership, supporting teachers and families, promoting strong academic foundations and preparing students to succeed in a changing world. |
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State Senator for the 44th District State Senator Sally Turner has represented Illinois’ 44th Senate District since 2021 and serves as an Assistant Republican Leader. A former Logan County Clerk, juvenile probation officer and educator, Sally brings decades of public-service and local-government experience to Springfield. She is committed to fiscal responsibility, government accountability, public safety and policies that strengthen families, communities and economic opportunity throughout Central Illinois. |
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State Senator for the 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema has represented Illinois’ 53rd Senate District since January 2025. Before joining the Senate, he chaired the Grundy County Board and spent 31 years in leadership roles at Caterpillar. With extensive experience in business and local government, Chris is committed to fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, economic growth and transparent, accountable government for the families and communities of Central Illinois. |
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House Representative for the 88th District State Representative Regan Deering has represented Illinois’ 88th House District since January 2025. An educator and former small-business owner, Regan understands the challenges facing families, schools and local employers. She brings practical classroom, business and school-board experience to Springfield and is committed to improving education, encouraging economic growth, controlling taxes and spending, and protecting the values of Central Illinois families. |
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Candidate For House Representative for the 87th district State Representative Bill Hauter has represented Illinois’ 87th House District since 2023. A board-certified emergency physician and anesthesiologist, Bill brings frontline medical experience and a strong record of community service to Springfield. He is committed to protecting families, improving healthcare, controlling taxes and spending, supporting public safety and defending the freedoms and values important to Central Illinois residents. |
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Candidate For House Representative for the 105th District Tim Ruestman is the Republican candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 105th District. As Woodford County Coroner for more than 30 years and chairman of the Woodford County Republican Party, Tim brings extensive public-service and leadership experience. He is committed to fiscal responsibility, public safety, limited government and defending the values of Central Illinois families in Springfield. |
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Candidate For House Representative for the 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting has represented Illinois’ 106th House District since 2023. A family farmer from Livingston County, Jason previously served on the Livingston County Board and as Broughton Township Highway Commissioner. His leadership also includes serving as president of the Livingston County Farm Bureau. Jason is committed to supporting agriculture, strengthening rural communities, controlling taxes and spending, and bringing common-sense leadership to Springfield. |
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Congressman for the 16th Congressional District Congressman Darin LaHood has represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015 and currently serves the 16th Congressional District. A former federal prosecutor and state senator, he serves on the influential House Ways and Means and Intelligence committees. Darin is committed to strengthening agriculture and manufacturing, growing the economy, protecting national security and providing responsive service to Central and Northern Illinois families. |
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Candidate For The 17th Congressional District Bio: born in Illinois. His career experience includes developing a chain of coffee shops, a railroad worker, and a school board member on the West Central School Board
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Candidate For United States Senator Bio: A Springfield-based attorney and Senior Counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens, Tracy is the former Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and the Illinois Gaming Board. Growing up as the oldest of 12 children working in his family’s warehouse, he emphasizes his deep roots in downstate Illinois and his experience representing small businesses and farmers. |
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Candidate For Governor Bio: A third-generation farmer from Xenia in southern Illinois, Bailey served as a state senator and representative. He gained statewide prominence as the 2022 Republican nominee for governor, known for his vocal opposition to executive overreach and his advocacy for downstate rural interests. |
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Candidate for Lt. Governor Aaron Del Mar is a Illinois Republican politician and businessman best known as the Cook County GOP chair. In 2026, he became Darren Bailey’s running mate for lieutenant governor |
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Candidate For State Comptroller Bio: A southern Illinois attorney and small business owner, Drew manages a family-owned café and a law practice. He frames his candidacy around the perspective of a small business owner frustrated by state taxes and regulatory complexity. |
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Candidate for State Treasurer Bio: born in Lagos, Nigeria.Solomon earned an associate degree in political science from South Suburban Community College, a bachelor's degree in political science from DePaul University, a master's degree in theology from Valparaiso University, and a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law. His career experience includes working as an attorney. He also teaches political science and law-related classes as an adjunct at South Suburban Community College.[ |
Candidate for State Attorney General
Bio: A veteran attorney and former Chicago alderman representing the 2nd Ward, Fioretti has extensive experience in civil rights and municipal law. He has been a frequent candidate for city and state offices, positioning himself as a watchdog against government corruption. |
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