Illinois Democrats see an opportunity in this west suburban district, which runs from St. Charles through Elgin to Crystal Lake. Respected Republican Sen. Don DeWitte is retiring at the end of this term.
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The Democratic candidate is Algonquin resident Michele Clark, 54, director of development at a local food pantry. She faces Republican Danielle Penman, a 49-year-old labor-and-delivery nurse from St. Charles who won a vigorously contested primary against Jessica Breugelmans.
We endorsed Breugelmans in the primary, but thought Penman was also a good option. Republicans have a solid candidate carrying their banner to keep this seat in the GOP fold.
Penman is focused on property tax relief with practical suggestions such as increasing the homeowners exemption and tying it to inflation so the value doesn’t erode over time.
We agree with her, too, that Illinois must put the brakes on premature closing of fossil fuel-fired power plants while there are questions about electricity reliability in the near term — a step Springfield Democrats refuse to take.
Clark tells us she an advocate of making “the wealthiest corporations and earners pay their fair share.” At 9.5%, Illinois corporations pay one of the highest income tax rates in the country. Seems like a “fair share” to us.
A vote to flip this seat to the Democrats is a vote for higher taxes and spending. We endorse Danielle Penman.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
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