Democratic state Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, 50, is a capable lawmaker who has pursued practical legislation on property taxes, consolidation and healthcare costs. We appreciate her thoughtful approach to the job.
Her Republican challenger, Daniel Behr, 73, brings a Ph.D. in applied economics and a strong emphasis on fiscal discipline. He promotes greater transparency in government spending, a more sustainable pension system for future public employees and meaningful scrutiny of Illinois’ tax burden. “Property tax relief should come from confronting the underlying cost problem, not merely transferring the burden to another taxpayer,” he told us.
Katz Muhl has served her constituents well and has received our endorsement in the past, but Behr makes a credible case for a different approach. It’s a close call. But with Democrats holding overwhelming majorities in Springfield, Illinois voters would benefit from more independent voices challenging the status quo.
Daniel Behr is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
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