Democratic incumbent state Rep. Katie Stuart, 55, has held this seat since 2017, representing a district that covers much of Metro East, including her hometown of Edwardsville. She’s done good work protecting working mothers and stiffening drug laws and has won our endorsement in the past.
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Her opponent, Republican Jimmy Ford, 51, is a longtime repo man. About a decade ago, he made national headlines when he repossessed an elderly couple’s car, then raised thousands of dollars to pay it off and bring it back to them. He’s one of the more interesting candidates about whom we’ve written. He’s a small business owner, a perspective that can only improve the balance of power in Springfield. Ford is highly regarded by House Republican leadership. We admire his authenticity and think he could be a breath of fresh air for this district.
Jimmy Ford is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
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