Our Candidates
Meet the Republicans currently seeking office and fighting for our community's values.
Federal Candidates
Don Tracy
U.S. Senate
Former Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and accomplished attorney, Don Tracy won the 2026 GOP Senate primary to challenge for the seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin. Tracy is a proven leader focused on lowering the cost of living for working families, supporting law enforcement, and bringing common-sense conservative solutions to Washington.
John Elleson
9th Congressional District
Pastor John Elleson has served Chicagoland communities for over 40 years at Lakewood Chapel in Arlington Heights. A grassroots champion who ran a direct voter engagement campaign, he won the 2026 Republican primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District, bringing faith, family, and conservative values to the race.
Carl Lambrecht
10th Congressional District
Carl Lambrecht is the Republican nominee for Illinois' 10th Congressional District, running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, supporting local businesses, and restoring accountability to government. He advanced from the 2026 primary and is ready to fight for the North Shore and Lake County families in Congress.
Jeff Walter
11th Congressional District
A retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and current Mayor of Elburn, Illinois, Jeff Walter brings decorated military leadership and proven executive experience to his campaign for Congress. He is committed to cutting wasteful spending, supporting veterans, and delivering results for the families of Illinois' 11th District.
Statewide Candidates
Darren Bailey
Governor
Former Illinois State Senator Darren Bailey is running to restore Illinois as a safe, affordable, and prosperous state. A lifelong farmer and small business owner from rural Illinois, Bailey won the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary and is focused on cutting taxes, reducing crime, and getting Illinois back on track.
Bob Fioretti
Attorney General
Attorney and former two-term Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti is the Republican nominee for Illinois Attorney General. A lifelong advocate for justice and integrity, Fioretti is committed to holding criminals accountable, rooting out corruption, and restoring the rule of law across Illinois.
Diane Harris
Secretary of State
A conservative Republican born and raised with Midwestern values, Diane Harris won the Republican nomination for Illinois Secretary of State. With a deep commitment to election integrity, government transparency, and serving every Illinois resident, Diane is ready to bring principled leadership to this critical office.
Bryan Drew
Comptroller
Benton attorney and small business owner Bryan Drew is the Republican nominee for Illinois Comptroller. A passionate fiscal watchdog, Drew is committed to protecting every taxpayer dollar, exposing wasteful government spending, and bringing financial accountability back to Springfield.
State Legislative Candidates
Darby Hills
26th Senate District
Sworn in as State Senator in February 2025, Darby Hills is a dedicated public servant and founder of Barrington Children's Charities. Before taking office, she served as a Barrington Hills Village Board Trustee and spent years championing children and families in our community. She is running to continue that vital work in the 26th Senate District.
Kate McGrath
29th Senate District
Kate McGrath is a small business owner, volunteer volleyball coach, and mother who is tired of Illinois' broken status quo. A New Trier alumna and lifelong Illinois resident, Kate is running for the 29th Senate District to fight for property tax relief, school choice, and policies that keep families in Illinois.
Craig Wilcox
32nd Senate District
State Senator Craig Wilcox has represented the 32nd District since 2018, serving communities including Antioch, Crystal Lake, and McHenry County. A U.S. Air Force veteran with 24 years of service and an electrical engineering degree, Craig brings discipline and expertise to Springfield, fighting for lower taxes, job growth, and transparent government.
Lori Smith
51st House District
For over 25 years, Lori Smith has dedicated her career to special education, running a therapeutic day school that helps children with severe disabilities. A mother and community leader who is not a career politician, Lori is running for the 51st House District to bring real-world experience and fight for Illinois families who deserve better.
Martin McLaughlin
52nd House District
State Representative Martin McLaughlin is a small businessman and financial expert specializing in pension management. A former Village President of Barrington Hills, Marty was elected to the Illinois House in 2018 and has been a consistent voice for fiscal responsibility, property tax relief, and accountable government in the 52nd District.
Daniel T. Behr
57th House District
Daniel T. Behr is a longtime Northbrook resident and community leader running for the 57th House District. After 30 years in the community, Daniel decided to step up and demand better for our area — championing lower taxes, public safety, and government that actually listens to its constituents.
Tina Marie Durrant
61st House District
Tina Marie Durrant is a farmer and pharmacist from Beach Park who knows firsthand what it means to work hard. Raised on an Illinois farm, Tina brings real-world experience and a passion for community to her campaign for the 61st House District, fighting to make government work for working families — not the other way around.
Tom Weber
64th House District
State Representative Tom Weber has proudly served the 64th House District — including Antioch and Lake Villa — since 2019. A strong advocate for his constituents, Tom fights for property tax relief, public safety, and keeping more money in the pockets of working families. He is running unopposed in the 2026 Republican primary.
County Candidates
David Penaherrera
Lake County Treasurer
David Penaherrera is a finance and business professional from Barrington with six years of experience in financial management. Passionate about clear communication and reliable public service, David is running for Lake County Treasurer to help Lake County families thrive through responsible, transparent stewardship of public funds.
Roman Buchberger
Lake County Sheriff
Roman Buchberger is a dedicated law enforcement professional and U.S. military veteran running for Lake County Sheriff. Committed to rebuilding staffing and morale within the Sheriff's department, Roman has a concrete 90-day plan to improve recruitment, restore community trust, and make Lake County safer for every family.
John Muellner
Lake County Board District 1
John Muellner is a community leader, businessman, and former educator from Lindenhurst running for Lake County Board District 1. Endorsed by State Rep. Tom Weber, John is focused on eliminating wasteful spending, opposing unnecessary tax increases, and making Lake County a place where working families can afford to stay and thrive.
Joe Salvi
Lake County Board District 17
Joe Salvi is a 31-year-old Barrington attorney and committed conservative running for Lake County Board District 17. A proven grassroots organizer who earned recognition for turning out the most primary voters of any precinct committeeman in Lake County, Joe is dedicated to transparency, responsible governance, and making Lake County a better place to live and work.