Republican state Rep. Brad Fritts is a dependable conservative voice of opposition to higher taxes and higher spending. Springfield needs those.
He balances support for public schools with a desire to make sure dollars are being spent wisely, and a desire to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program, a very reasonable position. Oh, and he’s just 26 years old.
Something must be in the water down in Dixon, the heart of this district, which has produced not just one 20-something statehouse politician, but now features a second would-be representative.
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Fritts’ opponent, Democrat Nolan Kemp, comes across as moderate, and we could see him appealing to independent voters. At 24, he would be among the youngest representatives, but we were impressed by the thoughtfulness and thoroughness of the positions he shared with us. On taxation, for example, while he told us he understands the rationale behind the push for a millionaires tax, he called it a “punitive government response to a constituent’s financial success and slightly counterintuitive to the potential fruits of capitalism,” and added, “I will always side with less tax liability for the constituent.” We think he could have a bright future if he chooses to continue in politics.
Both of these candidates give us hope for the future. For now, we’re sticking with Fritts.
Brad Fritts is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
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