Two New GOP Reps With Same Goal: "Getting Things Done"
New Representatives Jason Bunting (R-Emington) and John Egofske (R-Lemont).
Two new Republicans in the Illinois House come from vastly different backgrounds representing vastly different districts, but each shares a common idea: getting things done.
Rep. Jason Bunting replaces Tom Bennett in the 106th House District which stretches from the Indiana line to Grundy, LaSalle, and McLean Counties. Bunting, 46, is a farmer who lives just outside of the Livingston County community of Emington. Emington has a population of 101.
He has long been heavily involved in the Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Corn Growers Association, and wants to use his farm just off of Interstate 55 as a way to talk to his Chicago-area colleagues about agriculture in the state.
“We will have an open door policy on our farm,” Bunting said. “Any of my colleagues [are welcome.] I think that’s a way we can bridge the gap between production agriculture and the urban lifestyle.”
But Bunting knows accomplishing anything of substance will require Democratic cooperation.
“With a 40 to 78 seat [minority], we have to work together,” Bunting said. “We need to start coming together on some common goals.
Lemont Mayor John Egofske also filled a seat Saturday belonging to outgoing House GOP Leader Durking. Egofske, 55, was elected Mayor of Lemont in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. He took on the role after leaving a corporate role as Chief Financial Officer.
Egofske, along with Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) are the only two remaining Republicans to represent any of Cook County.
“I’m all about getting stuff done,” Egofske said.
Both come to Springfield today for their first day in the House.
“I’m just going to try to find my parking spot,” Egofske laughed.
They’ll have a lot to learn.