Our endorsement for Illinois House District 45: Deanne Mazzochi

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

In the state House 45th District, voters will choose either Republican Deanne Mazzochi, a sitting state lawmaker from Elmhurst, or Democrat Jenn Ladisch Douglass, an attorney from Elmhurst.

Ladisch Douglass has never held public office before. But she has been an advocate for improving health care and reducing the cost of insulin. She also has helped write state legislation.

If elected, Ladisch Douglass says she would work to improve infrastructure in the state, protect a woman's right to choose and ensure small businesses have the resources they need.

However, we have long been impressed by Mazzochi. She was chairwoman of the College of DuPage board during a difficult time at the school and helped turn things around. She became a state representative in 2018.

Mazzochi is a conservative who has stood up to power in Springfield. She also makes a concerted effort to fight public corruption.

In response to the federal indictments of several elected officials, Mazzochi introduced a bill to prevent municipalities and counties from using red-light cameras "associated with civil or criminal corruption charges." The fact the measure stalled in the rules committee reflects poorly on the Democratic supermajority in the House - not Mazzochi.

Mazzochi is running for the 45th District seat because she was drawn out of her current district. She would do a fine job representing new constituents.

Mazzochi is endorsed.