Endorsement: The Daily Herald recommends Moylan over Smolenski for Illinois House District 55

Voters in House District 55 will choose between a familiar experienced elected official and a first-time candidate.

The race pits incumbent Democrat Marty Moylan from Des Plaines, who has a lengthy resume at the local and state level, against Republican Marilyn Smolenski, a small-business owner from Park Ridge making her first run at public office.

We give the nod to Moylan, whose experience as a Des Plaines alderman and mayor, and five years in the General Assembly, provide deep roots that will allow him to be a more effective representative.

Smolenski has voiced key issues about needed structural government changes during her campaign. But Moylan has experience, district knowledge and a history of working across the aisle and building relationships on his side.