Tim Schmitz, a Republican candidate for the Illinois General Assembly seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Suzanne Deuchler (R-Aurora), announced this week that he has been endorsed by his fellow Batavia aldermen and by Mayor Jeffrey Schielke.
Schmitz, a first-term alderman, is one of four GOP candidates in Tuesday’s primary seeking to succeed Deuchler, who has served 18 years in the legislature. The winner faces Aurora attorney Juan Thomas, who is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Observers believe that any of the candidates in the 42nd District race can win.
Deuchler has endorsed Geneva Township Supervisor Patrick Jaeger. Aurora Township Trustee Jim Pilmer, an Aurora businessman, and Ravi Singh, a public relations specialist, have also received support from leaders in the district, which stretches from parts of Montgomery and Aurora northward to a portion of St. Charles.
Former U.S. Rep. Charlotte T. Reid heads a list of past and present elected officials to endorse Pilmer’s candidacy. Singh has the backing of several Fox Valley mayors, including Geneva Mayor Tom Coughlin.
The candidates are scheduled to meet in a third and final debate at 6 p.m. Sunday in the Riverview Banquet Hall on Illinois Highway 25 in Batavia.