Endorsement: Hernandez for Illinois House 77

The race for state representative from Illinois House District 77 is something of a rematch between incumbent Democrat Norma Hernandez and Republican challenger Anthony Airdo.

But it’s hard to see it as a race.

Airdo, who lost to Hernandez in 2022, did not reply to invitations for a joint interview with Hernandez before our Editorial Board, has not completed a questionnaire about his positions and has an online presence that seems limited to a couple of short, vague Facebook posts.

So, supporting Hernandez seems obvious if only because of her accessibility and willingness to sit for questions about her positions. But beyond that, she also exhibits excellent qualities that make her an appealing lawmaker.

She has refined, compassionate positions on how the state should manage issues involving migrants, recognizes the successes and remaining challenges of the SAFE-T Act and criminal justice reform and, with a background as a social worker and urban planner, she speaks knowledgeably about how the state can manage its obligations in the face of coming budget challenges.

Hernandez would be an engaging candidate even with a more assertive opponent. In this race, she is the clear choice.