The 75th House District race is between Republican incumbent David Welter and Democratic challenger Martha Shugart.
David Welterhas served as 75th District Representative since July of this year. He was appointed to replace John D. Anthony, who resigned from the position on June 17 to take a position with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Welter has served on the Grundy County Board since age 19 (2010) and was appointed Chairman in December 2014.
During his board service, Welter voted in favor of turning county projects over to the voters and ended taxpayer-funded benefits for part-time county board members. He also investigated fellow board member Frank Halpin for improper reimbursements and asked him to resign. However, Halpin is asking the US Attorney's office to investigate Welter for abuse of power.
As a state representative, Welter expressedsupport for Independent Maps, an effort to put legislative redistricting in the hands of an independent commission. His campaign website stresses a cost-cutting, pro-business agenda.
Martha Shugart is a Morris resident with a 25-year career as a registered nurse, 20 of those years as a hospital supervisor. She now works as a charge nurse in the cardiovascular department of Morris Hospital. Politically, Shugart served as a Morris alderman for several years and was Grundy County's Deputy Coroner.
Her campaign has a strong emphasis on educational issues, including funding equalization, improving college readiness, and clamping down on charter school fraud. She also wants to draft a state constitutional amendment reforming campaign finance. In 2014, Shugart ran for 75th District Representative unopposed in the Democratic primary. However, she lost to John Anthony in the general election.
Endorsements
David Welter is endorsed by the Chicago Tribune.
Martha Shugart is endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Federation of Teachers, and a variety of local unions. A full list is available on her campaign website.
- This report was compiled by Chase Cavanaugh.
