Hanover Township clerk to challenge Crespo for state House seat

Hanover Township Clerk Katy Dolan Baumer received enough write-in votes March 15 to become the Republican challenger of Democratic state Rep. Fred Crespo of Hoffman Estates in the Nov. 8 general election, Cook County officials confirmed Wednesday.

Dolan Baumer, a Streamwood resident, was an uncontested write-in candidate but still needed to receive at least 500 votes to become the Republican nominee for Crespo's 44th District seat and avoid a protracted candidate slating process by the party.

"I am overwhelmed by the grass-roots support our campaign received in this primary election," Dolan Baumer said in a written statement. "The residents of the 44th District are fed up with the status quo and are looking for new leadership in the 44th District."

Cook County Clerk David Orr's office confirmed Dolan Baumer's write-in bid had been successful after the official canvass of the March 15 primary.

Both the Hanover Township and Schaumburg Township Republican organizations endorsed Dolan Baumer's candidacy.

"Katy is an extraordinary candidate who brings a tremendous record of leadership and selfless service to the race for state representative," Schaumburg Township Republican Committeeman Ryan Higgins said in a news release. "She will draw a strong contrast with the incumbent, and we look forward to her victory in the fall."

Crespo said the news of Dolan Baumer's candidacy does not change his expectations for the general election.

"We knew all along that someone would be on the ballot from the Republican side," Crespo said. "It's no surprise that they would find someone."

Katy has served as township clerk since 2009, and previously served four years as a township trustee. She also served 12 years as a trustee on the Poplar Creek Library Board.

The 44th District includes all or portions of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood.