The first candidate for an open state Senate seat in central Illinois has entered the race.
Republican Grundy County Board chair Chris Balkema announced his candidacy Wednesday for the 53rd Senate District. The 53rd District includes northeast Bloomington-Normal, Towanda, Lexington and parts of 11 other counties: Bureau, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will, and Woodford.
The seat is open following the announcement by incumbent Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, that he will not seek re-election following the conclusion of his current term. Bennett was appointed to his seat in January, following the resignation of Jason Barickman. His term will end in January of 2025.
Balkema works in purchasing for a heavy equipment manufacturer. He has served as chair of the Grundy County Board for the past six years.
“Under chairman Chris Balkema’s robust guidance, Grundy County has not only flourished fiscally, but has also stood as a beacon of financial stability and prudence amidst challenging economic times,” his campaign announcement said. “This is no small feat and is a testament to the chairman’s visionary leadership and deep understanding of how to align priorities and deliver results.”
In his campaign announcement, Balkema said he’s “consistently championed policies that reflect a true conservative ethos, and his dedication to these ideals has only grown stronger with time.”
The 53rd District is a safe zone for Republicans, who have safely carried the district through several cycles of redistricting. It’s unclear if other candidates will enter the race.
The 2024 primary is March 19, with the general election on Nov. 5.
