© 2025 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State Rep. Dennis Tipsword seeks reelection

 State Rep. Dennis Tipsword seated at with two rows of tables and chairs behind him in a legislative chamber
Cesar Toscano
/
WGLT
State Rep. Dennis Tipsword has announced plans to run for reelection in 2026.

An Illinois lawmaker who represents parts of Normal and northeastern McLean County is running for reelection.

Republican State Rep. Dennis Tipsword, who was first elected in 2022, has announced he is seeking a third term representing the 105th House District.

“Democrats in Illinois continue to raise taxes, increase the cost of living, empower criminals, and protect their own power — all of which drive our families and businesses out of state,” Tipsword said in a news release. “I’m running for re-election because we need someone who fights back."

Tipsword, the chief deputy of the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office and a small business owner, was lead sponsor on 10 bills in the last legislative session, many of them law enforcement-related, including one that calls for members of the Illinois General Assembly to participate in an annual law enforcement education program.

None was called for a vote.

He's also been a critic of Illinois’ criminal justice reform overhaul that, among other things, eliminated cash bail in Illinois.

The 2026 primary election is March 17.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.