Endorsement: Mussman for Illinois House District 56

In District 56, incumbent Democrat Michelle Mussman has represented the district since 2011, giving her 15 years of experience in Springfield and a substantial legislative record. Republican challenger Rhys Read brings nine years as a Des Plaines library trustee and more than four decades of experience in finance and pensions.

At a recent League of Women Voters forum, the candidates offered notably different approaches to state finances, immigration, the SAFE-T Act and data centers. Mussman emphasized education and health care funding and continued evaluation of state programs, while Read called for greater spending restraint, pension changes and stronger immigration enforcement.

Read’s financial and local government experience is valuable, but Mussman’s lengthy record representing the district and her continued attention to its priorities make her the stronger choice. Mussman is endorsed.