This district features another one of our favorite state representatives, state Rep. Ryan Spain, 44, of Peoria. We’ve spoken with Spain on numerous occasions and have found him both thoughtful and well-reasoned, especially on matters of fiscal policy and the need to end partisan gerrymandering in the General Assembly, a problem we have highlighted repeatedly.
He is a strong fiscal conservative with clear eyes on the need for transparency and fairness in elections, and Illinois is well-served by his leadership on everything from fiscal policy to election fairness to criminal justice reform. He is one of the most valuable voices of reason in Springfield.
His opponent, Democrat Nicole Dopler, is running a campaign centered on healthcare reform, but we haven’t heard much from her.
Ryan Spain is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].
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