Endorsement: Hirschauer for Illinois House District 49

When we first endorsed Maura Hirschauer for the 49th House District in 2020, we were impressed by her grasp of the issues, and her experience as a teacher. In 2022, we were further impressed by her successful transition from passionate gun-control activist to an experienced lawmaker, and in 2024, we reiterated support for her issues‑focused approach to governing and her overall legislative experience.

And now, in 2026, we say, “all of the above.” Hirschauer, a Democratic legislator from Batavia, has run against strong Republican candidates in each election, but wins our support each time because her views consistently represent the changing demographics in the western suburbs – citizens who are increasingly concerned with gun control and public safety, climate change and constituent engagement.

The 49th House District includes Batavia, West Chicago, South Elgin, Wayne, Bartlett and bits of Aurora and Geneva.

In 2025, Hirschauer was the House sponsor for Senate Bill 8, the Safe Gun Storage Act, which passed both houses and was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker. As yet unchallenged in court, the law went into effect this past January, fine-tuning existing law: requiring gun owners to keep weapons locked away anywhere they could be accessed by persons under 18 years old (previous law said 14) or by someone who could reasonably be considered a potential threat. It requires gun owners traveling to Illinois from outside the state to abide by our state laws regarding prohibited weapons; and it reduces from 72 hours to 48 hours the window of time gun owners have in which to report a firearm lost or stolen.

As in previous elections, Hirschauer is challenged by a quality Republican candidate. John Paul Augustynowicz, 48, is a Warrenville alderman and U.S. Navy veteran who has been a legislative staffer and works with adults with disabilities. But we see no reason to give Hirschauer the boot when she is doing good work for her House district and for the state of Illinois. Hirschauer is endorsed.