Endorsement: Grasse for Illinois House District 53

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.