Casey Chlebek

Businessman. Community Leader. Proud American Patriot.

I’m Casey Chlebek, and I’m running for the U.S. Senate because I believe it’s time for real leadership rooted in honesty, accountability, and common sense.

As a longtime businessman and a civic leader: former President of the Polish American Congress  – Illinois Division, former Commodore of the Chicago Yachting Association and the Joseph Conrad Yacht Club. I’ve spent decades fighting for our community and promoting the values that make America exceptional.

I’m not a career politician. I’m an immigrant, a proud American, and a strong believer in the power of hard work and faith. I know what’s at stake—and I’m ready to fight for a stronger, safer, and freer future.

Jeanne Evans

Jeannie Evans is a devoted mother, wife, and nationally recognized antitrust attorney who has won billions in settlements forcing corporate monopolies to lower prices and deliver justice for working Americans. Raised with values of hard work, faith, and service, she graduated summa cum laude from BYU, served a Christian mission in Hong Kong, earned her law degree from Harvard, and built a 32-year marriage while raising four children on Chicago’s South Side. After stepping away from her career to be a full-time mom, she returned to co-found a litigation firm and become a partner at Hagens Berman, earning top honors as one of America’s leading plaintiff lawyers and the American Antitrust Institute’s Enforcement Award. Deeply shaped by the tragic loss of her brother to drug-related gun violence and firsthand experience with crime in her Hyde Park community, she is running for U.S. Senate to cut taxes and red tape, make streets safer, reform, expand opportunity, and fight for Illinois families with the same tenacity she brings to the courtroom. Jeannie Evans is ready to take on Washington, deliver real results, and win for Illinois.

Pamela Denise Long

Dr. Pamela Denise Long is proud to be a 7th generation American! Denise is a former columnist at Newsweek and principal consultant at Youthcentrix®. She holds a Bachelors in Occupational Therapy, Masters in Educational Psychology, and Doctorate in Organizational Development. She is an award-winning business consultant, and political commentator featured on FOX News, The Hill TV, The Griot Politics/Black News Channel, Breitbart, AM 560 The Answer Chicago, WVON 1690 am Chicago, Epoch TV and more. She is an Americans First candidate who has delivered hundreds of hours of civic education about history, framing of what responsible and fair representation looks like in public service, calling elected officials to stand on first principles, and developing capacity of voters, public servants, and organizational leaders to recognize the importance of free speech and viewpoint diversity in the development of rules, regulations, solutions, and sound public policy. Denise is National Coordinator for the Coalition of Concerned Freedmen™ which has garnered her and The GOP/Party of Lincoln a network of support from originalist Legacy Black Americans, who are descendants of the founding Black population.

Jimmy Lee Tillman II

Dr. Jimmy Lee Tillman II is a bestselling author, historian, and President of the Martin Luther King Republicans running for the open U.S. Senate seat to take it from Democrat control. He's the only GOP Senate candidate who can win Chicago—where the Tillman name has strong recognition and his MLK Republicans prove the party of Lincoln can compete anywhere. He's already delivered major victories for Kane County families and all of Illinois—successfully defending religious freedom when churches faced COVID restrictions and leading the strategy that helped flip Michigan for Trump in 2024. Tillman helped generate over 56,000 public comments that forced Democrats to delay their radical agenda for over two years. He's the proven MAGA conservative who wins where Republicans haven't—and delivers results, not just promises.

Don Tracy

Don Tracy is a strong leader from Central Illinois who has spent his career fighting for small businesses and working families. An attorney for nearly 50 years, Don is currently Senior Counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens, the oldest law firm in Illinois. He has served in a number of public service positions, including Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, Chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, Secretary of the Illinois Bar Foundation, and President of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Born in Urbana and raised in Mt. Sterling in Western Illinois, Don and his wife, Wanda, raised their 4 children and 8 grandchildren in Springfield. As Senator, Don will defend the American Dream by lowering the cost-of-living for working families, working for common sense solutions, and representing all of Illinois, not just Chicago.  

R. Cary Capparelli

R. Cary Capparelli, the 'common-sense', conservative for the United States Senate, was born and raised in Chicago. Capparelli owned and operated in his global management and marketing company for over forty (40) years which included conducting sporting events between the United States and former Soviet Union and an award-winning vineyard in Argentina. He was a board member of both the Illinois Banking and Real Estate Board (1997-99) and the Illinois International Port; where he chaired four committees including Homeland Security. Dr. Capparelli holds four college degrees from Drake University (BAJ), Northwestern University (MSJ), Northeastern Illinois University (MA) and the University of London (PhD) and currently instructs Geography, online, at South Dakota State University teaching the Geography of China, Geography of the Middle East, and the Geography of Russia.

Kevin Ake

Jennifer Davis, a trailblazing entrepreneur and political outsider, is running for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District to bring common-sense business practices and family-first values to Washington. At just 17, she co-founded Davisware with her husband, Dan, and grew it into a global leader in the field of service technology. Her best-selling book, Living Exponentially in Life and Business, shares her blueprint for building success without sacrificing joy. Rooted in the rural values of hard work, faith, and family, Jennifer has led with grit and generosity—as a mother of 10, a coach of dozens of youth teams, and a community servant. After guiding Davisware through the pandemic and partnering with Serent Capital, she launched BExponential to help women thrive personally and professionally. Now, Jennifer is bringing her proven record of building from scratch to Congress. She’ll fight to cut red tape, champion small businesses, and support families with practical, common-sense solutions. With a servant’s heart and a record of results, Jennifer Davis will bring fresh leadership to Washington—focused on empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening communities, and securing a brighter future for the next generation.

With almost three decades on the police force, Herb has dedicated his life to service, safety, and doing what’s right. He understands the importance of faith, family, and freedom—and he’s committed to protecting them in Washington. Herb is running for Congress to support law enforcement, secure the border, defend traditional values, and put hardworking families first. Washington has enough politicians; it needs someone who’s lived the real-world consequences of failed leadership. It's time to send a Cop to Congress.

Mark Rice, a fourth-generation Texan and longtime Illinois resident of 35 years, is running for Congress in Illinois’ 8th District with a commitment to Family, Freedom, and the Future. A graduate of the University of Texas and the founder/CEO of a successful Chicago-based energy company, Mark brings decades of business, economic, and energy-sector expertise to the race. He has served on several community boards, including the Jewish Community Center of Chicago, and founded Trevian Youth Football and Trevian Small Fry Basketball, where he has mentored hundreds of young leaders. He is committed to confronting the economic peril caused by bad policies, failed leadership, and special-interest influence, and to fighting for a future grounded in opportunity for all families.

US Citizen from S. Korea, Over 50 years in US Congressional District IL-11, Northern Illinois University, Regent University, Harvard University Business and Law, experience in DuPage County and Federal Courts, US President’s Office, US Congress, US Dept of State, US Veterans Affairs, US Navy and US Air Force, NATO Military and United Nations, and Chicago Merchantile Exchange and Best International Companies

LTC (retired) Mike Pierce, PhD is a Christian, family man, conservative, Iraq War Veteran and resident of Naperville where he attended North Central College. He first moved to Kane County in 1972. He enlisted in the Army, and was commissioned after completing Officer Candidate School, retiring after 20 years of service. He worked at U.S. European Command and U.S. AFRICOM as a DOD Contractor.  A leader and lifetime member of The American Legion (two-time Post Commander), the VFW, the Association of the United States Army, serving as a Chapter President and Regional Vice President numerous times.  

Jeff Walter is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) and the current Mayor of Elburn, Illinois. Jeff has dedicated his life to service—first to our nation, now to our community. For more than 20 years, Jeff served with honor in the U.S. Navy, rising to the highest enlisted rank through hard work, discipline, and proven leadership. After retiring from the Navy, he built a successful career in manufacturing and then in technology and consulting where he helped public and private organizations tackle tough challenges—from AI and data systems to digital transformation. As Mayor, Jeff has led the charge to modernize infrastructure, support small businesses, strengthen public safety, and deliver for families—all while keeping taxes low and balancing budgets. Jeff holds a BS in Finance, an MS in Manufacturing Management and an MBA.

Gary Vician

Dedicated to Serving Illinois 14th District Every Single Day

I’ve always believed our lives and talents are gifts from God, and how we use them is our gift back to Him. That’s why I’ll fight every single day to cut taxes and job-killing regulations, fully fund our police and secure the border, defend our God-given rights and Second Amendment freedoms, bring good jobs home, stand up for our farmers/veterans/student, unleash Illinois energy, and impose real term limits on the D.C. crowd.

​I’m not here for a career. I just want what you want: a safe, affordable, opportunity-filled 14th District where our kids and grandkids can build the same good life we’ve worked for — free from government overreach and with America put first again.

Conservative, Republican-Illinois – FAITH * FAMILY * FREEDOM
America First, 100% pro 2^nd Amendment and Pro-LIFE, Limited Government, Leadership, Service, Perseverance, Courage, Commitment, Teamwork and Action

Republican Nominee for US Congress 14th District, Illinois 2024  (Won Primary, defeating opponent earning over 79% of the vote)

Delegate for President TRUMP 14th District, Illinois 2024 (Received most votes of all delegates)

Elected and served as Kendall County Republican Chairman

(3 full terms, 2016 – 2024, elected more than 15 new Republican office holders in Kendall County, maintained and increased Republican control in Kendall County)

Deputy on Illinois GOP State Central Committee for the 14th District (term ending 2022)

Illinois 14th District Presidential Elector 2020

Darren Bailey and Aaron Delmar

Darren Bailey is a third-generation farmer and lifelong conservative from Southern Illinois who’s never forgotten where he comes from. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Darren built his life on faith, family, and farming — not politics. As governor, he’ll fight for working families, protect our values, and bring honesty and common sense back to Springfield.

Ted Dabrowski and Carrie Mendoza

Ted Dabrowski is the former president of Wirepoints, where he helped build an Illinois-centric policy research and commentary brand based on straight talk, hard data and fiscal realism. Ted wants to return power to the people, remove barriers to prosperity, embrace educational freedom, push political power down to its lowest level and restore the rule of law.

Jim Mendrick and Robert Renteria

Safety, Security, Prosperity

"For too long crime has surged, budgets have spiraled out of control, businesses have fled, and our children's education has suffered. Springfield politicians have prioritized political ambition over the well-being of the people. Enough is Enough"

Rick Heidner and Christina Neitzke-Troike

Rick Heidner is a lifelong Illinoisan. Rick grew up in a modest home in Chicago's western suburbs, with a hardworking mother who did everything she could to provide for Rick and his brother. From the time he was a young boy, Rick worked to help his mom keep the family afloat.

He delivered newspapers, shoveled snow, painted homes, created J.J. Peppers Food Stores which built up to 24 stores, and later operated laundromats. Those early years taught Rick responsibility, sacrifice, and exactly what struggling families in Illinois are feeling today.

That background shaped the kind of leader he became. Starting with nothing, Rick built some of Illinois' most recognizable, job-creating businesses: Gold Rush Gaming, Ricky Rocket's Fuel Centers, Prairie State Energy, and Heidner Properties, a commercial real-estate network spanning more than 280 properties across 12 states. His businesses directly support thousands of jobs and hundreds of family-owned stores. As a proven businessman, Rick has always built for Illinois, not off of it-refusing to use the state as a political soapbox or exploit its resources for personal gain.

Family remains the center of his life. Rick and his wife, Alisa, have raised five children who now help lead parts of the family business, continuing the legacy of hard work, faith, and opportunity he learned from his mother.

Rick is running for Governor because he understands what Illinois families are facing-because he lived it. Under the failed leadership of JB Pritzker, Illinois has become unaffordable, unsafe, and increasingly impossible for working families, young people, and seniors to stay in the state and thrive. Rick knows what it means to struggle, to build, and to lift others up-and he believes Illinois deserves a governor who reflects those values once again.

He's running to make Illinois safe again, affordable again, and full of opportunity again. A vote for Rick Heidner is a vote for a New Illinois-a vote to defeat JB Pritzker and rebuild a state that works for its people, not against.

Diane Harris is a candidate for Illinois Secretary of State, a social conservative and proud Baptist mom with a Bachelor of Science in Management.

A retired ComEd professional and former insurance agent, she now operates a statewide mobile notary business.

She serves on the Joliet Junior College Board and the Joliet Public Library Board as Treasurer

An elected 23rd Precinct Committeeman and Vice Chair of the Joliet Township Republicans, she champions faith, family, freedom, and faster, fairer DMV service for all.

Walter Adamczyk

Walter Adamczyk is  running to restore integrity, professionalism, and fairness to one of the largest and most powerful constitutional offices in state government.

The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State consists of 21 departments and employs approximately 4,000 hardworking men and women across the State of Illinois. This office oversees driver services, vehicle services, business filings, state archives, police operations, and critical public safety functions that affect nearly every resident of Illinois.

“The Illinois Secretary of State’s office should serve the people of Illinois — not political insiders, not friends, and not well-connected elites,” Adamczyk said.

Once elected, Walter Adamczyk will implement a comprehensive hiring initiative that prioritizes Honorable Veterans for Illinois Secretary of State jobs. Veterans bring discipline, integrity, accountability, and a proven commitment to service — values that are desperately needed in state government. Cronyism and nepotism will not be tolerated, and hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, and character — not political connections, last names, or favors owed.

Walter Adamczyk believes the Secretary of State’s office should be run like a professional, non-political public service agency, not a reward system for political allies. With 21 departments and nearly 4,000 employees, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office demands strong leadership, ethical standards, and a clear vision.

Walter Adamczyk is ready to lead.

Bryan Drew is an independent small business owner and experienced attorney who will protect your tax dollars. With 25 years of courtroom experience, including before the Illinois Supreme Court, he has defended citizens across the state, from constitutional rights to taxpayer protections. As Illinois Comptroller, Bryan will stop government waste so we can lower costs for working families, hold politicians accountable for how they spend our tax dollars, and increase transparency so you know where every dollar is spent. He and his wife, Christen, own Café Bloom in Benton, and they have four children: three daughters and a son.

Darby Hills, State Senator for the 26th District, is a former Cook County prosecutor, Village Board Trustee, and founder of Barrington Children’s Charities. Established 15 years ago, the volunteer charity provides food and essential support to more than 500 children. Raised by a single mother in a working-class home, Darby understands the struggles families face and fights for working families to make life more affordable, keep communities safe, and promote common sense over extreme agendas.

Illinois families and small businesses deserve a state government that works for them — not against them. Years of rising taxes, shrinking opportunities, and poor leadership have pushed too many people and employers to leave the state. Jessica Breugelmans is running for Illinois State Senate District 33 to help reverse that trend and make Illinois a place where families and businesses can thrive again.

A lifelong Illinoisan and a principled conservative, Jessica was raised in a manufacturing family and has spent her career as an educator, small business owner, and proven community advocate. She is a wife, a mom, and a servant leader who believes deeply in strengthening communities across District 33.

Jessica will fight to stop the constant tax increases, restore excellence and transparency in our schools, and protect fairness in girls’ sports. She’s not a politician — she’s a neighbor who understands the challenges families face and is committed to bringing real-world common sense back to Springfield.

Danielle Penman, a Chicago native, has proudly called St. Charles home for the past 23 years. Alongside her husband of 27 years, she has raised two sons in the heart of the community they cherish. With nearly three decades of experience in healthcare—including over 25 years as a dedicated nurse—Danielle brings a wealth of clinical expertise and leadership experience to her campaign for State Senator of Illinois’ 33rd District.

Throughout her career, Danielle has been a tireless advocate for patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals. Her hands-on experience and strategic insight have driven meaningful improvements in care delivery, resulting in better outcomes and stronger support systems for those she served.

Danielle’s deep commitment to her community is reflected in her years of advocacy and volunteer work. She has championed the needs of parents, students, teachers, and taxpayers through active involvement in her local school district. From serving on her sons’ elementary school PTO to supporting the Boosters Club and the St. Charles Education Foundation, Danielle has consistently stepped up to strengthen local education.

Her volunteerism and support extend far beyond healthcare. Danielle has served as a volunteer camp nurse for the JDDC Girl Scouts summer camp and continues to support vital organizations such as Kayla’s Hope, Jane’s Room Foundation, Baby Spirit Foundation, Together At Peace, the Salvation Army food bank, and Lazarus House to name a few. She is also a proud supporter of law enforcement at both the local and state levels.

As the wife of a union member, Danielle understands the value of organized labor and the importance of protecting workers’ rights. She is committed to representing the hardworking men and women of Illinois as a Republican voice in Springfield.

Senator Dave Syverson has been a trusted voice for the people of Northern Illinois, proudly representing the 35th District, which includes part of Kane County. With a proven record of fighting for taxpayers, improving healthcare access, and supporting job growth, Dave has always put families and small businesses first. A lifelong Illinoisan, he works tirelessly to bring accountability and common sense back to Springfield. Senator Syverson remains committed to protecting our values and ensuring a stronger future for Illinois.  

Edgardo Perez

State Senate District 42. As a veteran, retired law enforcement, youth mentor, and martial arts instructor, I’ve spent decades protecting families, guiding young people, and standing on the front lines for what’s right and the safety of our community.

J.P. Augustynowicz

Illinois State Representative 49th district candidate
Ward 4 Alderman; Warrenville, Illinois
Winfield Township Precinct 24 Committeeman

Martin McLaughlin

State Representative Martin McLaughlin is a small businessman and financial expert, specializing in pension management. He serves the 52nd District, and was first elected to the Illinois House in November 2020. He served as Village President in Barrington Hills from 2013 to 2021, where he reduced the size of government in his local community and reformed out-of-control spending, by running government like a business. While in that office, McLaughlin lowered the village property tax levy seven times – by over 25%, increased investment in infrastructure, added to cash reserves and increased the pension plan’s funding percentage. 

Representative McLaughlin began his investment management career in 1987 with Investment Capital Management, before becoming president of Killian Asset Management in 1999. McLaughlin sold Killian Asset Management to ASB Capital Management, where he served as Managing Director from 2005 through 2020. While at ASB, he was a founding member of the fixed income and equity investment councils, and today serves as Chairman Emeritus to ASB. Currently, he is the president of Rive Capital Advisors, LLC, a specialty fixed income investment management business based in Illinois. 

McLaughlin’s top priorities as a State Representative include improving public safety, lowering property taxes and increasing local control for schools. With these priorities in place, he also aims to help businesses continue to thrive and grow in his District. McLaughlin is working to attract new businesses with higher paying job opportunities to his District, as well as helping families find success so they can raise their children in Illinois and put roots down. With this success, seniors will also have the opportunity to retire and remain in their home state, close to family and life-long friends. 

McLaughlin is also an active member of the local community, having served as Chairman of the Barrington Area Council of Governments and as a member of the Executive Board of the Barrington Lions Club. He also volunteered for years coaching female youth sports with his five daughters.  

McLaughlin has held a securities license since 1987 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Illinois Wesleyan University. In 2021, he became an Edgar Fellow, participating in the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs program for emerging public policy leaders.

Dan Ugaste

Representative Dan Ugaste was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. He represents the 65th District, which includes the far western suburbs of Chicagoland, including the areas in and around Campton Hills, Elburn, Elgin, Geneva, Lily Lake, South Elgin, St. Charles, Wayne, and West Chicago.

Ugaste is a former shareholder and attorney at the firm of Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie, and Lowry, where he specialized in workers’ compensation defense and other related litigation. He represented both insured and self-insured businesses of all sizes and across most industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, shipping/logistics, retail, and professional institutions.

Ugaste has served as the President of the Lake Forest College Alumni Board, as well as President and Chair of various bar associations and committees.  In keeping with his past work, he now works every day to protect businesses from over-zealous advocates and against a system of regulations and red tape that hamper efforts to create their product, deliver a valuable service, and provide good-paying jobs for workers and their families. He is a committed fiscal conservative.

Ugaste continues to focus on pro-growth legislation and policies, helping to bring economic development and better career opportunities for the residents of Illinois. He is also committed to and advocates for transparency and accountability in the Illinois House, where he serves on several committees as well.

Ugaste has served his community as a coach and volunteer, including as a former volunteer firefighter. He regularly attends church. Ugaste graduated from Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest College, earning a Juris Doctorate degree from DePaul University. He and his wife, Denise, have three adult daughters and six grandchildren.

Laurie Parman, is a 40 year resident of the Fox valley. She is a 30 year retired teacher with a Masters Degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership.  She is  a wife, mother, and a grandmother.  She is in her second run for the Illinois House 66th District.

Jeff has served parts of Kane, DeKalb and McHenry Counties in the Illinois General Assembly since 2018. He has served as the House Republican Conference Chairman since 2023. Jeff's motivation to run and main body of legislative accomplishments centers on protecting survivors of abuse, empowering law enforcement and creating a more positive environment to grow Illinois' flailing economy by allowing job creators to better succeed in Illinois. If you haven't heard his talk on "Make Illinois Average Again" you are in for a treat when you do.  Jeff is present everywhere and often recognized as having one of the most constituent responsive legislative offices, seeking to put those we serve first.

My name is Jesse Rodriguez and I'm running for Illinois House District 83 to make Illinois affordable for work and middle-class families. I am a lifelong resident of Aurora, Illinois, Navy veteran, small business owner, Loyola University, Chicago graduate with a degree in finance and an MBA. I am married, 28 years, and have a daughter, also a Loyola graduate.

Bryan Scopa

Experience

Brian has led teams through crisis, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and built high-performing organizations grounded in discipline, accountability, and trust. His career includes command of a Navy Reserve center, overseeing national training programs for over 55,000 service members, and serving aboard some of the Navy’s most advanced warships.

Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve - Richmond, VA (2019-2022)

Responsible for the mobilization readiness of 350 Navy Reservists in 21 Navy Reserve Units. Deftly led a staff of 20 through the COVID pandemic.

Navy Reserve Force Training Officer - Norfolk, VA (2016-2019)

Oversaw a Navy Reserve budget of +$60M and a staff of 25 to execute and continuously assess the Navy Reserve’s annual training and education programs for over 55,000 servicemembers.

Engineering Auxiliaries Officer on USS GERALD R FORD - Newport News, VA (2015-2016)

Original crew of new aircraft carrier, responsible for leading the operation and maintenance of all new auxiliary engineering equipment, from fire pumps and steering gear to aircraft elevators and refrigerators, for a crew of 2,800 Sailors. Wrote the book on auxiliary engineering for the first new aircraft carrier class since 1978.

Surface Force Atlantic Training Officer - Norfolk, VA (2012-2015)

Oversaw the training schedule for the Atlantic Surface Fleet, ensured alignment for the deployment training and readiness for 82 warships and over 40,000 sailors.

Future Operations Officer, Destroyer Squadron Nine - Everett, WA (2010-2012)

Transformed a team of inexperienced Sailors into a combat-ready warfighting staff, despite truncated pre-deployment training.

Chief Engineer, USS MITSCHER - Norfolk, VA (2009-2010)

Responsible for all aspects of propulsion, electrical generation, auxiliaries, damage control and firefighting of a 9,000-ton air defense destroyer with a crew of 325 Sailors.

Rob Russell is a seasoned law enforcement officer, law enforcement administrator and public servant who has significantly impacted Kane County through his roles as a sheriff’s deputy, coroner, and now as a candidate for sheriff. Rob’s career in law enforcement began in 1993 with the DuPage County Sheriff’s office. His experience included supervisory, administrative, community-oriented policing, special policing district, patrol, court security and corrections. In 2012, Rob was elected to serve as the Coroner of Kane County. His service as coroner is widely regarded as one of the most transformational in the history of Kane County. Rob lives in Hampshire, IL with his wife of 35 years, Susan. Rob has four children and five grandchildren.

Lou Santoyo is the definition of resilience — an immigrant brought to the United States at seven months old who overcame poverty, violence, and the stereotypes placed on kids growing up in Chicago's Pilsen Neighborhood. Witnessing a man shot and killed outside his home as a child shaped his lifelong mission to protect the vulnerable. He went on to serve 28 years in law enforcement, mostly as a Cook County Sheriff’s Police detective, working violent crimes, child exploitation, and specialized units with compassion, integrity, and humility. Now a Village Trustee in Elburn, an adjunct criminal justice instructor and assistant warden at a state correctional facility, Lou continues serving the community he calls home. Today, he is running for Kane County Sheriff to elevate public safety to a new level, ensuring every family has the safety and opportunity he fought so hard to find.

John Cunningham is your best choice due to running in office that has been acceptable to everyone and admired by other County Clerks throughout the United States. He is committed to remaining transparent, efficient and responsible.

A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class with deployments around the globe, John K. Jonak’s military service shaped his perspective on leadership and service. With over 27 years of experience in education, John has dedicated his career to serving students, educators, and communities. His journey began as a part-time paraprofessional at an elementary school in Mattoon, Illinois, while attending Lakeland Community College, demonstrating his commitment to education from the ground up.

Bill Lenert

Currently holds the office of Kane County Board - District 5 until December 31, 2026.

Professional Experience

Lenert Insurance Group, Owner (1985 - Present)

Degrees

Master's, Benedictine University, Business (1978)

Bachelor's, Aurora University, Business Administration and Economics (1975)

Jennifer Swanson Abbatacola was born and raised in Illinois and has lived in Hampshire for 19 years. She has four core beliefs about local government: protecting public safety, respecting private property rights, nurturing a robust business environment, and standing with taxpayers. Jennifer believes we are living under an oppressive tax system and that families and businesses in Kane County are overtaxed, limiting growth and opportunity. She also believes Western Kane must plan ahead to protect its way of life and preserve the character that residents value. A political outsider, Jennifer brings a practical, steady approach to leadership rooted in integrity, professionalism, and respect for the people she serves. If you live in Kane County District 9 and would like to join Jennifer's team or learn more, please reach at [email protected]

Jeffrey R. Magnussen

After college, Anthony enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Military Police Corps from 1994-1999 on active duty. His overseas service included a two-year stint in Germany from 1996-1998, during which he took part in Operation Joint Endeavor, a US/NATO-led mission to restore peace to the Balkans following the Bosnian War, for which he received the NATO Medal “In service of peace and freedom”. In recognition of his service, Anthony was awarded nine ribbons and medals, including the German Efficiency Badge (Gold). His highest commendation was the Army Achievement Award, which he received twice. He also received the National Defense Ribbon twice and earned four overseas service stripes, each representing six months of service abroad, amounting to a total of two years. Anthony was honorably discharged in acknowledgment of his honorable service to the nation.

From 2000 to 2010, Anthony pursued studies for the Catholic Priesthood while serving in the US Army Reserves as a commissioned officer training for Army Chaplaincy. He graduated from the US Army Chaplain Center and School in 2008 and was ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Alexandria, LA, in 2010. He served there for five years, during which he also held the position of Chaplain (Captain) in the Louisiana Army National Guard and as a Police Chaplain for the Vidalia, LA, Police Department (2009-2010). In 2015, Anthony chose to leave the Priesthood and embarked on a new career in politics.

His political journey includes:

• Serving as an Election Judge from 2016-2018
• Being appointed a precinct committeeman for the 18th Precinct of St. Charles in 2018
• Running for Congress in the IL-14th district Republican primary and for a full term as a committeeman in 2020, receiving 1,119 votes in a seven-candidate race
• Campaigning for the Kane County Board district 13 in 2022
• Running for the St. Charles Library Board in 2023
• Ran for Circuit Clerk of the Kane County 16th Judicial District in 2024

Anthony’s military service continued beyond active duty. From 2018-2021, he served as a commissioned officer in the 2nd Brigade Indiana Guard Reserve, a component of the Military Department of Indiana. In 2021, he transferred to the United States Veteran Reserve Corps 1st Indiana Battalion and became a member of the 1st Illinois Battalion USVRC as a Captain in 2023.

The Veteran Reserve Corps, a unit with historical significance dating back to the Civil War, has a mission focused on civil affairs, providing community assistance during disasters and community service. Throughout his diverse career as a soldier, priest, and statesman, Anthony has consistently been driven by the highest standards of service, inspired by historical figures, his educational journey, and the positive influences of those he has encountered.

Dr. Ryan Deniz is committed to stopping excessive taxation, opposes new tax hikes, demand fiscal responsibility in county budgeting and will work to increase economic development. The Deniz family has been involved in the community including the local schools, businesses and church. After growing up in Geneva and graduating from Geneva High School, our family returned to raise our children in the community we love. Our choice to live, work, volunteer and participate locally highlights our love for the community and commitment to give back.

Current County Board Member for District 15.

America First beliefs.

No tax increases (property tax, gas tax, grocery tax).

Kane County has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

Back the police!

Steve Serafin has been a proud Kane County resident for 25 years and is running for County Board to bring accountability and common sense back to local government. He and his wife Denise have been married for 38 years and are the parents of triplets Zachary, Alexander, and Cassidy, and proud grandparents to Charlie. Steve studied criminal justice at Triton College in River Grove, which helped build the foundation for his lifelong career in public service. For 17 years he has worked as a civil investigator and is an active member of the Illinois Process Servers. He also serves as a dedicated Republican precinct committeeman where he works closely with neighbors to strengthen the community. Steve is committed to representing Kane County families with integrity, transparency, and a strong focus on taxpayer interests.

Cliff Surges

No-nonsense, multi-tasking CEO. As an accomplished entrepreneur and authority in the home health and insurance industries, I have dedicated myself to making a difference in my community through leadership, philanthropic work and public service. Experienced in strategic planning, driving profitability, and organizational structure.

Emmanuel Thomas is a 37-year government service veteran and proud military veteran, bringing decades of leadership, discipline and public-sector experience. Former District 300 Board of Education member, endorsed by the Daily Herald in 2025, where he championed academic excellence and community partnership. Seasoned AAU basketball coach, mentoring youth in teamwork, discipline and personal growth. Academic credentials include a Master’s in Organizational Leadership Management, a Master’s in Education, and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.

Candidates not pictured have not submitted their information to our committee. If you are a candidate who would like to be included, please email [email protected] to receive instructions on how to submit.