Ugaste faces rematch from Democrat Robertson in 65th House District
Voters in Illinois’ 65th House District have a familiar choice to make as incumbent Republican Dan Ugaste faces Democrat Linda Robertson in a rematch from 2022.
Ugaste, 60, from Geneva, is seeking his fourth term in the General Assembly.
Robertson, a scientist from St. Charles, said she believes the district isn’t being represented in the Democrat-majority House.
“I don’t believe the incumbent has a voice at the table,” she said. “I would be able to have that voice.”
For his part, Ugaste said he’s helped pass bills with bipartisan support and has been able to work across the aisle on issues that are important to the district.
“I will work with anyone in the General Assembly as long as we’re trying to achieve good policy,” he said. “Republicans as well as Democrats should be involved in every conversation, be it the budget, be it taxes, anything.
“I’m just working for the best outcome for all the people in the state.”
Robertson said her background as a scientist would be helpful when it comes to issues like the environment and climate change.
“I think we need to have some subject matter experts in the legislature,” she said.
As Illinois has seen an influx of immigrants from Central and South America, both candidates agree there is a need for immigration reform and that the state has been failed by the federal government.
“We shouldn’t be having this problem at all,” Ugaste said. “We don’t need to be letting everyone in over our border and not paying attention to our laws.”
Robertson said she understands the motivation of asylum-seekers, but added that there aren’t enough judges at the border to determine who should be granted the status. She chided Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for sending buses of migrants to Illinois in the winter without proper clothing.
Ugaste said Illinois needs to end it’s sanctuary state status.
“By the end of this fiscal year, (Illinois) will have incurred over $3 billion of additional costs in paying for migrants that have come over since the Biden administration has come into office. We can’t afford it,” he said.
Roberston said ultimately that she’s spent her career as a problem solver and would bring that skill to Springfield.
Ugaste said he hopes to be able to continue working on issues his constituents say are important to them, such as taxes.
“Democrats have had control of Illinois for the last 25 years and they have put in place policies that inhibit our growth as a state,” Ugaste said.
The 65th House District includes parts of Campton Hills, Elburn, Elgin, Geneva, Lily Lake, South Elgin, St. Charles, Wayne, and West Chicago.