Former Elgin school board member running for state Senate
A former Elgin Area Unit District U-46 board member who’s run for other offices through the years has launched a state Senate campaign.
Elgin resident Cody Holt announced he will seek the Republican nomination for the 33rd District seat.
Republican state Sen. Don DeWitte of St. Charles isn’t seeking reelection in 2026. He’s represented the district since 2018.
In a news release, Holt — a former political consultant who’s now an investigator for Rivers Casino in Des Plaines — pledged to fight bad policy and give conservative voters a voice in Springfield. He aims to focus on gun ownership rights and an education system he said is “more focused on indoctrination than education.”
Holt served on the U-46 school board from 2015 to 2017. During his tenure, he opposed a district policy allowing transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that don’t correspond with their biological sex.
Holt unsuccessfully ran for the Kane County Board in 2022 and for the Elgin City Council in 2013.
He isn’t the only Republican candidate for the Senate seat. Geneva resident Jessica Breugelmans and Elburn Trustee Chris Hansen also are seeking the GOP nomination.
No Democratic candidates have surfaced.
The 33rd District includes parts of Kane and McHenry counties.
Political newcomer running for state House
Elsewhere in the suburbs, a political novice from Lake Forest has announced his campaign for the state House.
James “Jamie” Moorhead, a commercial real estate lawyer, will seek the Republican nomination for the 58th state House seat in March 2026. Democrat Bob Morgan of Deerfield has held the post since 2019.
In a news release, Moorhead described himself as “a moderate Republican dedicated to pragmatic, bipartisan solutions.”
“I’m running to bring civility, cooperation, and balance back to Springfield,” Moorhead added.
Moorhead said he’ll focus on policies that bring tax relief, promote economic growth and strengthen public education.
“The people of the 58th District deserve a representative who listens more than they lecture, and who’s more interested in solving problems than scoring political points,” Moorhead said.
The 58th District includes eastern parts of Lake and Cook counties.
Morgan, the House’s assistant Democratic leader and floor whip, will seek a fifth term in 2026. He defeated Highland Park Republican Carl Lambrecht by 36 percentage points to retain his seat in 2024.
• Political Roundabout is an occasional column on campaign, legislative and political news with a suburban focus.