Endorsement: Blair-Sherlock for Illinois House District 46

The race to decide who will represent the Illinois House District 46 seat is a rematch of the contest that Diane Blair-Sherlock won in 2022.

But now the Villa Park Democrat has the power of incumbency as she seeks a second term against Republican Robert Stevens, a truck driver and small business owner from Villa Park.

Stevens says he was motivated to run again because he believes the domination of the state government by one party has cost Illinois and its residents. He argues that there should be a better balance of Democrats and Republicans to serve as a check and balance in Springfield.

If elected, Stevens says he would work to address high taxes, the cost of living in the state, and mental health issues.

Before being elected, Blair-Sherlock advocated for children with special needs. She has continued that effort while serving on House committees for elementary and secondary education. She also partnered with DuPage High School District 88 to organize seminars for parents of children with disabilities.

Blair-Sherlock said she got two measures passed into law during her first term, including one requiring the availability of Narcan in schools to treat opioid overdoses.

Two years ago, we felt both candidates compared fairly equally but we were impressed by how strongly Stevens spoke against corruption and called for term limits for state officials. This time, he doesn't seem to have the same energy and did not raise those issues in our discussion with him.

In comparison, Blair-Sherlock has gained valuable experience over the last two years. She has focused on education issues and served the district in the way she promised she would. Blair-Sherlock is endorsed.