Senate GOP Expects to Play in As Many as Seven Races
Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove).
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Many observers, including some Senate Republicans, believe there may only be one or two pickup opportunities for the GOP next year.
But, a slate of candidates is expected to file before the end of day Monday and could show the Senate GOP wants to get involved in as many as seven races.
Three Republicans are circulating in the 19th District to face embattled Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort). Republicans are backing Frankfort Township trustee Hillary Kurzawa. Former gubernatorial candidate Max Solomon and life coach and motivational speaker Samantha Gaska are also said to be circulating petitions.
Republican Rock Valley College trustee Crystal Soltow is expected to file petitions against Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). She’s a small business owner and Latina. Republicans appear to like her a lot. It’s an uphill climb, though, as President Biden won the district by 13 points in 2020.
Republican Philip Nagel will seek a rematch with Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). Nagel is an Air Force veteran who works for a chemical company. Joyce beat him by about ten points last year.
Minooka School Board member Jennifer Munson will challenge Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) next year. It’s a tough ask in a district President Biden won by 20 points in 2020.
Sally Owens, a business consultant, is said to be in a “better siltation than any other” Republican Senate candidate, has already filed for the Peoria-based 46th District held by Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria).
Will County Board member Katie Deane-Schlottman will challenge Democrat Meg Loughran Cappell (D-Shorewood). Deane-Schlottman is an Air Force veteran with a spouse who is a cop. President Biden won the district by 17 in 2020.
Former State Universities Civil Service System CEO Jeff Brownfield is circulating petitions to challenge appointed Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). President Biden won the district by around 27 in 2020.
A spokesman for the Senate Republican campaign arm did not comment when contacted Thursday.