Endorsement: Santa Maria for Illinois Senate Dist. 27, Grasse for Illinois House Dist. 53, Canty for Illinois House Dist. 54
In Senate District 27, House District 53 and House District 54, voters will notice that the candidates bring notably different combinations of local government, professional and Springfield experience to questions of affordability, public services and fiscal policy.
In Senate District 27, Democrat Carina Santa Maria brings more than 15 years working with children and families, nonprofit leadership and experience as an Arlington Heights trustee. Her background managing complex budgets and human-services programs gives her a useful combination of local government and policy experience. Republican David Mathis brings military and private sector leadership, with a focus on fiscal discipline and public safety, but no elected office experience. Santa Maria’s record offers a broader direct connection to government and community needs. She is endorsed.
In House District 53, Democrat Nicolle Grasse combines more than 30 years as a hospice chaplain with local government experience as an Arlington Heights trustee and her current service in the Illinois House. Her emphasis on health care, housing, affordability and safety net programs reflects both her professional background and legislative experience. We previously endorsed Grasse for Arlington Heights village board in 2021 and for the Illinois House in 2024. Republican Elizabeth Bauer, an actuary, offers a focus on fiscal math, spending and governance reform, but lacks comparable public-sector and legislative experience. Grasse’s record provides a more developed understanding of both constituent needs and government operations.
In House District 54, Democrat Mary Beth Canty stands out for legislative, legal and local government experience. Since 2023, she has built a record in the House after serving on the Arlington Heights Village Board and Regional Transportation Authority. Her work on survivor protections, health data privacy and e-bike safety complements her focus on education funding, child care and property-tax relief. We endorsed Canty for Arlington Heights Village Board in 2019, for the Illinois House in 2022 and for her House re-election in 2024, citing her legal background, collaborative approach and productive first term. Republican Joseph Tracy brings roughly three decades of experience working for the Illinois Department of Human Services and a strong fiscal perspective, but no legislative record. Canty’s combination of local, legal and legislative experience provides the stronger foundation for continued state service. Canty is endorsed.