Endorsement: DeLaRosa for Illinois House District 42

Democratic voters in the Illinois House District 42 race face a tough choice on March 17 for whom to represent them on the November ballot.

Both Margaret DeLaRosa and Lynn LaPlante offer voters in the district, which includes all or parts of Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville and Wheaton, the kind of experience that will serve them well in Springfield.

DeLaRosa, a Glen Ellyn resident, was appointed to the seat in October 2025 after Terra Costa Howard resigned to become a DuPage County Circuit Court judge. Before that, DeLaRosa served as school board president in Glenbard District 87 and has been on the board since 2015.

LaPlante, also of Glen Ellyn, was elected to the DuPage County Board in 2020 and won re-election in 2024.

Both candidates generally agree on how they would address the state's issues.

LaPlante is in favor of the state adopting a graduated income tax.

DeLaRosa is open to restructuring the tax system if it delivers property tax relief and stabilizes education funding. She also supports closing corporate tax loopholes and higher taxes on gambling, tobacco and vaping.

Both candidates understand how decisions made in Springfield affect school districts, other government bodies and property taxpayers, and we would be comfortable with either candidate advancing to the November election.

DeLaRosa deserves a chance to serve a full term, and she is endorsed.