Republican state Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro, 54, faces Democrat Amanda Zahorak, a nonprofit professional with experience in affordable housing and education advocacy, in this northwest suburban district.
We endorsed Sanalitro in 2024, and she has continued to earn our confidence with her emphasis on fiscal responsibility, government accountability and public safety. She advocates for stronger legislative ethics oversight, including subpoena power for the legislative inspector general, and tighter restrictions on electronic monitoring for defendants accused of violent crimes. We appreciate her determination to ease Illinois’ punishing property tax burden, though her proposal to shift more school funding to the state raises questions about whether taxpayers would ultimately save money.
Zahorak brings worthwhile community service experience, but we haven’t heard enough about how she would address Illinois’ daunting fiscal challenges.
Sanalitro has demonstrated a commitment to responsible spending and practical reforms that Springfield sorely needs.
Jennifer Sanalitro is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
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