Endorsement: Walker for Illinois Senate Dist. 27

When Arlington Heights Democrat Ann Gillespie resigned her state Senate Dist. 27 seat last April to become director of Illinois Department of Insurance, state Rep. Mark Walker was a natural choice to replace her, which he did a month later.

Walker, also an Arlington Heights Democrat, served one term in the House in 2008 and then returned in 2018, so he has had ample opportunity to understand the workings of the legislature, and he has approached the job with hard work, dedication and insight.

A former banking executive, he brings a particularly valuable background in finance to his campaign for a full term in the Senate, especially at a time when the state is on the threshold of more challenging economic conditions than it has faced in recent years. But economics are not his only strength. He also has keen insights into the state’s policies on criminal justice reform, immigration and ethics, with detailed ideas about both what is working well and what still needs to be addressed. And he has a cooperative spirit that enables him to listen to the reasoning of the other party, an especially important quality at a time when Democrats have a virtual lock on the General Assembly and governor’s mansion.

His Republican opponent, Tom Schlenhardt of Arlington Heights, also brings many of these qualities to the race and offers a promising candidacy. His background as Northfield Township controller gives him some worthwhile economics chops, and he also expresses criticisms of Illinois government with a thoughtful, constructive approach that would be needed in the legislature’s minority party.

But Walker is growing as a leader in the General Assembly and has the experience and stature to influence policies in ways that will benefit both the district and the state. He is endorsed.