Madison County Democratic Endorsed Candidates
IL Constitution Fair Tax Amendment – YES
Learn more about the Fair Tax here.
US Senate – Dick Durbin
Senator Dick Durbin was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 after representing central and southern Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years. Today, Dick serves as the Democratic Whip—the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate—and on the Senate Judiciary, Appropriations, Agriculture, and Rules committees. In the Senate, Dick has fought to defend and build on the Affordable Care Act and reduce the cost of prescription drugs; strengthen the middle class by delivering billions of dollars for investments in Illinois that create jobs; and protect the Great Lakes and address climate change.
Senator Durbin introduced the Dream Act, and he has been a national leader on comprehensive immigration reform. He has worked with Republicans in Congress to pass criminal justice reform, which was signed into law in 2018, and increase medical and science research funding to find the next cure for things like Alzheimers. Dick’s work on international human rights has helped free more than a dozen political prisoners around the world. Dick Durbin has also been a tireless advocate for our service members and veterans, as well as their families, working to ensure they receive the benefits they earned for their service. Senator Durbin succeeded his friend and mentor Senator Paul Simon in the U.S. Senate. As a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, and resident of Springfield, Dick travels virtually every week between Illinois and Washington, D.C. He is married to Loretta Schaefer Durbin. They are the parents of three children and the proud grandparents of six grandchildren.
12th US Congressional District – Raymond Lenzi
A former UMWA coal miner, professor, and economic developer, Ray Lenzi is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 12th district. Ray is Illinois born and raised. He attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale and was eventually elected student body president. After graduating from SIUC, Ray started a daycare facility and preschool for children of migrant farmworkers in Cobden, Ill. that is still in operation today. After Ray earned a Ph.D from the SIUC, he became an associate professor of rural economic development at the University Missouri-Columbia, participating in many projects that benefited the state. Lenzi returned to Carbondale when he married Maggie Flannigan and became the executive director of the Office of Economic and Regional Development at SIUC. There, he founded the SIU Research Park and subsequently became vice chancellor for University Advancement. For the past decade, Ray has served as chair of the board of River-to-River Assisted Living (now Voyage), a company he helped launch while at the Research Park, which is now the largest provider of assisted living in the southern half of Illinois with ten facilities in three counties. Ray has a life-long commitment to social and economic justice, the environment and change for all people of the 12th District. He is a champion of labor and the working and middle class, a loving family man, and believes Southern Illinois deserves someone who will be a true representative of the 12th District in Washington. Congressman Lenzi will stand for universal healthcare, renewable energy, improved infrastructure, a $15 an hour minimum wage, women’s rights, and racial justice.
13th US Congressional District – Betsy Dirksen Londrigan
For Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, the decision to run for Congress is very personal. In 2009, her 12-year-old son, Jack, lay in the pediatric intensive care unit in critical condition. A rare, life-threatening illness that started from a tick bite left Jack in a medically-induced coma fighting for his life. After 24 days in the hospital, and receiving his last rites twice, Jack slowly started on the long road to recovery. Betsy is grateful for many things — the medical team that saved her son, the community that rallied behind their family — and the insurance that helped with the mountain of medical bills. That’s why she will fight to keep the healthcare protections we have in place and work to fix the parts that need fixing. She firmly believes that no family should be put in danger of bankruptcy because of an unexpected medical emergency and that people with pre-existing conditions should never be discriminated against.
In 2018, Betsy came within less than one percent of the vote of unseating incumbent Rodney Davis. Rep. Davis has voted in supporting of gutting coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, charging older Americans five times more for coverage than younger people, raising premiums for working families in Illinois. His votes for the Republican healthcare bill and massive tax cut for the wealthiest Americans have real consequences for our area – threatening coverage that families depend on, jeopardizing our rural healthcare providers and even endangering Social Security and Medicare funding. Betsy is running for Congress to put the middle-class first, and to end a system that has served career politicians and their special interest donors instead of working families in Illinois. In Congress, she will oppose big tax giveaways to massive corporations and the wealthy that blow up our deficit. Betsy understands that labor unions help build Illinois’ middle class and will stand up for their right to bargain for fair wages, safe working conditions, and a secure retirement. And, she will fight any attempt to cut the Social Security and Medicare benefits that our seniors have earned.
Betsy was born and raised in Springfield where she lives with her husband Tom and their three kids, Jack, William, and Kathryn. She attended Springfield High School and graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She has worked as a Corps Member with Teach For America and as a non-profit leader in our community. Following Jack’s illness, Betsy and her family worked to raise awareness of the importance of children’s hospitals as well as significant funds for the Children’s Miracle Network and St. John’s Children’s Hospital to ensure that other children receive the same quality care that saved Jack.
15th US Congressional District – Erika C. Weaver
After years of working in multiple call centers, and abrupt change in circumstances, Erika found herself homeless with her three small children. After enduring nearly a year of housing insecurity, Erika secured an apartment and temporary employment. It was then that she decided to focus on transitioning her family out of the cycle of poverty. In 2005, Erika and her children moved to Coles County, and she enrolled in classes at Lake Land College. While working a myriad of student-employment positions, Erika completed an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, and then transferred to Eastern Illinois University to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Sports, & Recreation and then, a Master’s degree in College Student Affairs.
Upon completing her graduate studies, Erika returned to Lake Land College where she served as a member of the faculty and as an Academic Counselor. Because she still dreamed of becoming an attorney, she applied for and accepted admission into Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Erika could not afford to relocate her family to the Chicagoland area,. She knew that earning her law degree would change the trajectory for her family, so she commuted the 184 miles from Mattoon to Chicago over the next three years. This meant three years of sleeping on couches, floors, and in borrowed spaces. During her last semester of law school, Erika ran and was elected to the Mattoon CUSD2 Board of Education. After law school, she worked a post-graduate legal fellowship with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, as well as a part-time employee in a local factory. While working two jobs, she studied for the bar exam. After receiving her license to practice law in Illinois, Erika briefly worked in private practice before landing a position in the Coles County Public Defender’s office.
Erika shares many of the lived experiences of people in our district. She knows firsthand the struggle to balance limited finances, provide for a family, and work hard to move into a better position. Her decision to run for office was not based on her struggles, but the resiliency and perseverance to overcome them. She entered this race because she wants every family to have the opportunity to create and define their American Dream, but without the hardships she endured. Her campaign reflects and embodies her life, her work, and her heart for service. Erika’s approach to the issues facing our district is unique and an outgrowth of her personal and professional experiences.
IL State Rep 95th District – Chase Wilhelm
Chase Wilhelm was born in Montgomery County to a devoted mother and a Vietnam veteran factory worker at Hillsboro Glass. While growing up, Chase learned the true value of commitment to your word and honesty in your actions through sportsmanship and hunting the backwoods and field rows in Montgomery County and neighboring areas. He graduated from Mulberry Grove High School and later attended Saint Louis University where he earned his bachelor’s in political science. Chase supported himself in his later years of high school and throughout college by working union labor jobs within Labor Local 1084 as a journeyman, including time paving roads on Route 16 and working at the CIPS Coffeen Power Station. These opportunities taught Chase the important link between labor and community, and how hard work and honest pay should go hand-in-hand.
Chase joined the U.S. Army in 2006 after completing his undergraduate degree and attended Eden Theological Seminary to become an Army Chaplain, striving to make the largest impact serving his brothers and sisters in arms. While in the Army, Chase earned his master’s in religion and society from Princeton Theological, and a Ph.D. in ethics from Garrett-Evangelical at Northwestern University. During this journey, Chase devoted his time helping countless service members within both the Illinois National Guard and active duty community. He served as the Officer in Charge of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program throughout his Ph.D. studies, working for Illinois veterans and families first. Most recently he served as the Officer in Charge of a program within the Preservation of the Force and Family Directorate at United States Special Operations Command.
Chase has walked alongside service members during their darkest hours at home, abroad, and in Afghanistan, leading groundbreaking program development impacting the entire Special Operations community, while still maintaining close connections with family and friends back home. Always remembering where he came from, it was during his time serving some of our nation’s finest service members he heard and answered the call to return to Illinois and the communities he was raised in. Leaving active duty and entering the Army Reserve Element at Special Operations Command, he recognizes the dire need of real leadership here at home. Chase has come home to serve the community, families, farmers, workers, and teachers who reared him and gave him a foundation of integrity first and service before self long before he chose to serve our nation.
IL State Rep 100th District – Brandon Adams
I was born, raised, and graduated from Jacksonville High School. My post-high school training was at Midwest Technical Institute for professional welder and pipefitter. My first employment was a union welding job in Indiana. That job was taken by NAFTA, so I traveled on the road as a professional welder until returning to Jacksonville. I got into politics because I don’t want others to suffer from what I have been through. I was in South Dakota fishing with a coworker when I got bit by a mosquito and contracted West Nile virus, which put me into a coma for two months.
Miraculously, I awoke. But awakening without insurance and a $321,639.93 intensive care bill was not what I expected.No one should bear the burden of a broken healthcare system. This occurs too often to others in my district and why I’m standing up to fight for our wellness with my candidacy. I began a long journey toward recovery back in Jacksonville. Part of that recovery included getting accepted to the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services vocational training program. I became a Certified Welding Inspector and received endorsements for bridges, pipelines, and aerospace. As a welder, I know the value of skilled trades and hard work ethics. Expanding investments in trade apprenticeships, unions, and technical training for more Americans to get these great careers is vital.
I had to be almost dead to get all these benefits and it shouldn’t be like that. Everyone should have the right to earn an education. It shouldn’t matter what your parents make or if you are disabled. People should have a chance for progress in life, no matter their background. I am not a millionaire politician, just a regular person. I entered public service to fight for everyone enduring the injustices I’ve experienced, and then some. This is our opportunity to make meaningful change for people in the 100th District and across Illinois.
IL State Rep 108th District – Kacie Weicherding
A longtime resident of the district, Kacie Weicherding has called Hoyleton home since childhood. Her mother, Peggy, is an infectious disease nurse. Her late father, Wally, was a union boilermaker with Local 363. Kacie understands the experiences of working families in the district. When she was nine, Kacie and her mother came home to find her father paralyzed after falling from the roof. Throughout his months in the hospital, Kacie and her mother never left his side. Once he was able to come home, Kacie’s mother went back to her job as a nurse working twelve-hour night shifts, while Kacie looked after her father after school. Luckily, her father had good insurance through his union, but they were still financially struggling. They couldn’t afford help, so Kacie and her mother took turns being the caretaker for her father. Fortunately, the tight-knit community of Hoyleton was there to help too, something Kacie and her mom will never forget.
In 2007, Kacie’s father passed away from cancer at the age of 48. Kacie Weicherding knows the demands placed on “unpaid caregivers” – more than 53 million in the United States. She saw her mother juggle working long hours at her job, making sure she gave Kacie the time she needed as a young girl and caring for her husband. Kacie has seen and felt the toll it can take on a person. Kacie understands the everyday struggles of working families in her district and will give those families a voice when she is elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.
IL State Rep 111th District – Monica Bristow
Born and raised in Godfrey, Monica Bristow has spent all her life in the Riverbend area. As leader of the RiverBend Growth Association, Monica spent her career working with local businesses to create good-paying jobs in our community for 10 communities in Madison and Jersey Counties. Monica has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors through her roles with the YWCA, United Way, American Cancer Society, and several other community organizations. She is seeking reelection to continue her fight in Springfield and improve the lives of families in the region.
As state representative, Monica has fought to protect local jobs from outsourcing, lower prescription drugs and healthcare costs, and force insurance companies to cover critical health devices for children. She has also worked to lower the tax burden on middle-class families and and successfully defeated reckless cuts to vital services such as Meals on Wheels and medical care for seniors. Monica and her husband Melvin reside in Alton, and have two sons and two grandchildren.
IL State Rep 112th District – Katie Stuart
Katie Stuart is not a politician. Katie is a wife, mother of two, and educator who is fed up with the political gridlock in Springfield. As a math instructor at SIUe, Katie shows students how to solve complex problems every day. As our State Representative, she will bring the same skills to Springfield and review the state budget line-by-line to eliminate waste while protecting vital services we depend on. Katie will be a full time Representative, working to support local homeowners and businesses while opposing tax increases on the middle class. Katie will lead by example. She will sponsor legislation requiring voters to approve any salary increase for politicians, making it more difficult for lawmakers to raise their own salaries. Katie will support a budget that protects middle-class families. She will fight for funding for education, cancer screenings, programs for children with disabilities, and meals and in-home medical care for elderly residents.
IL State Rep 113th District – Jay Hoffman
Jay Hoffman is a resident of Swansea, Illinois, and was elected to his first term as an Illinois State Representative in November of 1990. He is a former prosecutor, law enforcement official, state legislator, small businessman and public policy advocate. Jay is an Assistant Majority Leader in the House and serves as the Chairman of the Labor & Commerce Committee, as well as, the Public Utilities, Judicial I (Civil Law), appropriations committees and several other committees and task forces.
Jay has fought hard for capital construction projects, bringing back much needed state funding to build new roads, schools and the new McKinley and Mississippi River Bridges in the past. Jay recently worked with fellow legislators and Fairmount Race Track to expand the sunset date on Advance Deposit Wagering which will garner much needed revenue and secure numerous jobs for the track. Jay worked with business and labor, as the chief negotiator, to address various issues with unemployment insurance. This recent legislation will result in eliminating the “2016 speed bump” which would adversely affect both employers and employees. Jay works tirelessly in Springfield fighting for Illinois workers and economic growth in the Metro East.
The Illinois House gives Jay the best opportunity to advocate for those issues he cares about most passionately; balancing the state budget, capital construction, education, economic development, senior citizens, veterans and families. Jay helped pass tax relief for seniors and senior prescription drug relief, as well as a recent bill to create the Autism and Co-Occurring Medical Conditions Awareness Act. Once enacted, this legislation will promote a greater awareness for Autism spectrum disorder and its detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Jay received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Illinois State University. He later graduated from St. Louis University School of Law and began his career in public service as a prosecutor in St. Clair County. In 1989, Jay began working as a law enforcement official as the Director of Probation and Court Services for the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. While serving as Director, he created a mandatory drug testing program for probationers, which was later used as a model for programs throughout the state.
Jay’s representation in the Illinois House allows him to serve the community where he grew up and the people who he knows best. The Metro East is his home, and serving the Metro East in Springfield has been his great honor. Jay looks forward to working within our community in order to get people back to work and get us back on the right track.
Jay and his wife Laurie, have two daughters, Emily and Katelyn.
Circuit Clerk – Amy Gabriel
From Day 1, Amy Gabriel will be ready to serve as Madison County’s next Circuit Clerk. Having spent the last 20 years advocating for her clients in the courtrooms of the Madison County Courthouse, Amy knows the importance of a functional, efficient, justice-driven legal system that works for all.
For the majority of her career, Amy served as a prosecutor at the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, where her focus and trial experience was based on prosecution of child abuse and neglect. Amy’s dedication to child advocacy is evidenced by her decade-long tenure as a Board Member at the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. In her current role as an Associate Attorney with the Gori Julian law firm in Edwardsville, Amy is fighting for clients who have been severely injured from exposure to toxic substances or defective medical devices. Amy is an advocate and helper for those who need it most. In her role as Circuit Clerk, she will ensure everyone who enters through the courthouse doors is treated equally, and has access to the information and resources they need.
After graduating from Edwardsville High School, Amy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois. In 1999, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in both Illinois and Missouri.
Most importantly, Amy is a proud mother of two daughters who both attend public school in Edwardsville. Residing in Glen Carbon, Amy and her girls enjoy spending time with close family and friends, riding bikes on nearby trails, and volunteering in the community. Amy’s daughters are both extremely proud of their mom, and are her fiercest supporters.
State’s Attorney – Crystal Uhe
Crystal is a lifelong resident of Madison County. She was raised in Alhambra and graduated from Highland High School. Crystal attended Southeast Missouri State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with concentrations in criminology, criminal justice and political science. After graduating college, she attended law school at Saint Louis University School of Law, where she was an Editor for the Saint Louis University School of Law Public Law Review.
Crystal has worked in the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for over fifteen years, beginning as a college intern. Crystal worked her way up through the office, becoming a supervisor for the misdemeanor and traffic division, Chief of the entire Criminal Division and most recently being named as the First Assistant State’s Attorney. Crystal now supervises the 37 attorneys in the Office and oversees the Violent Crimes Division, the Children’s Justice Division as well as the State’s Attorney’s participation in the Madison County Veteran’s Court, Mental Health Court, Drug Court and the Domestic Violence Accountability Court.
As a member of the Violent Crimes Division, Crystal has tried hundreds of criminal cases and has obtained convictions in dozens of First Degree Murder, Attempt First Degree Murder, Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, Home Invasion, Armed Robbery and other homicide related cases. She received certification in the areas of Gang Homicide Investigation and Gang Prosecution by the National Gang Crime Research Center. In recognition of her hard work and dedication, Crystal was named the 2019 Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis Prosecutor of the Year.
Crystal is a member of the Madison County Bar Association and the Illinois Prosecutor’s Bar Association. She is an instructor for the Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission (SILEC) and an adjunct professor for Lewis and Clark School of Criminal Justice. She has previously served as a board member for the Phoenix Crisis Center in Granite City and is a current member for Senior Services Plus in Alton, Illinois and the Madison County Child Advocacy’s (CAC) Advisory and Friends Boards of Directors.
Auditor – Joe Silkwood
Joe Silkwood spent his early 20’s as a minor league pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was taught the “Cardinal Way” of playing baseball. And the “Cardinal Way” was the right way. Joe took that lesson with him when he left the Cardinals and got a “real job” working for the East Alton Park and Rec Department, where he eventually became director and on to the Treasurer’s position where he oversaw the finances of the Village for 16 years.
As East Alton’s Mayor for the last five years, Joe Silkwood knows there is a “right way to do government.” And that means doing the right thing for the people you serve. Never asking is this a Democrat idea or a Republican idea, but is it the right idea and is it good for the people of Madison County. As your next Madison County Auditor, Joe Silkwood will do what is right for the taxpayers, by safeguarding their tax dollars, protecting their data security, scrutinizing expenditure requests at the County level and being accountable to the people who hired him – the taxpayers and voters of Madison County.“The citizens of Madison County deserve a government that looks less like Federal and more like local government – one team working together, doing the right thing for the people of the County.”
Coroner – Steve Nonn
Steve Nonn has served as Madison County Coroner for 19 years. He has earned the respect and trust of law enforcement officials in Madison County because Steve has set the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics in the Coroner’s Office. A former homicide detective and member of the elite Major Case Squad, Steve has been endorsed by every law enforcement official in Madison County. Born and raised in a strong union family in Granite City – his dad was a steelworker and his mom, a union cafeteria worker – Steve knows first-hand that it is the working people who built our economy and our communities.
Steve made a commitment to serve his community as a law enforcement officer, spending 26 years with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department before running for Madison County Coroner. As Coroner, Steve has transformed the office, requiring intensive training and certification for all his investigators (including himself) through state and national associations. Steve and his team have been recognized statewide for the integrity and the professionalism of their investigations.
But it’s right here in Madison County where Steve Nonn is best known for his caring, his kindness and understanding, helping families in what may be the worst day of their life. Steve Nonn. Experienced. Deeply dedicated to the people of Madison County. A public servant in the truest sense.
Madison County Board Chair – Robert A. Daiber
SA public official with over twenty years of experience, a background in Education and a proven record as an advocate for labor. Bob Daiber is running for Chairman of Madison County to bring about stability, improve the function of local government, and make government work for the best interest of all citizens, not for special interests. Bob Daiber, Democratic candidate for Madison County Chairman resides in Marine, Illinois with his wife Karen of twenty-five years and their two sons. He is a fourth-generation Madison County resident who has served constituents at the city, township, and county levels of government.
While serving as Regional Superintendent of Schools, he was elected by his colleagues to serve a statewide position as President. He is a leader in civic and educational initiatives and has developed innovative programs to help at-risk students succeed. As a Career and Technical teacher, he was able to help young people seek gainful employment and become business owners.
Bob also has an extensive background in regional planning for residential and business development which has helped him to better serve the communities he works with. In addition to his thirty-eight years of public service in education and government, Bob and Karen come from a heritage of Illinois agriculture families. Both the Daiber and Mersinger families are rooted deep in the history of southwestern Illinois as pioneers of the area. Bob is a proud owner of a centennial farm in Alhambra township where he enjoys the outdoors. Bob is known for being a strong advocate for public education, local government, and organized labor.
Judge Third Judicial Circuit – Leslie Wood
Leslie A. Wood is the owner and sole proprietor of the Wood Law Office, Glen Carbon, Illinois. She practices primarily in the Third Judicial Circuit, Madison and Bond Counties, Illinois, and in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois. She handles general practice matters, primarily in the areas of family law and bankruptcy. She is frequently appointed by the court as a mediator in disputes regarding parenting time and parental decision-making, as a Guardian ad Litem for children in family cases, and for minors and disabled adults in probate cases. Leslie is often a speaker at continuing legal education seminars on the issues of family law, alternative dispute resolution, bankruptcy, and ethics. She was the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Lawyer of the year in 2016. She frequently serves as an arbitrator for civil cases, in Madison County.
Leslie earned her B.S. in Business Administration in 1989 from the University of Illinois College of Business; she graduated cum laude in December 1997 with her J.D. from the School of Law, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial College, serving on the Committee on Guardian ad Litem Education; she is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, and serves as a member of the Family Law Committee, and on the Standing Committee on the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. She is a member of the Madison County Bar Association, the Alton-Wood River Bar Association, and of The Missouri Bar. Leslie and her husband and two children live in Glen Carbon. She is a breast cancer survivor, cancer free since 2014. For 22 years, Leslie has been an advocate for individuals, families and businesses. She will bring a fresh voice to the bench in the Third Judicial Circuit.
Judge Third Judicial Circuit – Tom Gibbons
As your Madison County State’s Attorney since 2010, Tom has kept our communities safe by fighting for victims’ rights and putting dangerous criminals behind bars. Tom’s common sense approach to justice allows him to recognize opportunities in the criminal justice system to help non-violent offenders turn their lives around and get back to being positive and productive members of their families and our community. A lifelong resident of Madison County, Tom has nearly two decades of broad experience as a prosecutor and private attorney –– dedicating his career to protecting the rights of citizens and the community. In his private practice, Tom fought to protect the rights of his clients in the civil courts. He represented companies and private citizens in a multitude of cases on a wide variety of legal issues. As your next Circuit Judge, Tom will continue to fight for citizens by providing an open, fair, and efficient courthouse for the people of Madison County. Tom is committed to making sure you get your day in court!
Tom Gibbons was appointed Madison County State’s Attorney on November 17, 2010 by a unanimous bipartisan vote of the Madison County Board. He was later elected State’s Attorney by the citizens of Madison County in November 2012 and re-elected in November 2016. Since taking office, Tom has maintained the highest level of integrity in the office and has applied a common-sense approach to ensure all county residents are treated fairly and equally regardless of connections, political affiliation, or economic status. Tom has exposed corruption in local and county government, holding corrupt officials accountable and ensuring greater integrity in local government for the people. Tom had stood up to special interests and proven he can make the tough calls and do the right thing with the best interests and values of the citizens of Madison County as his guiding principle, keeping politics and special interests out of the judicial system.
As a parent, Tom faces the same challenges as other parents in fighting to keep their children safe by giving them a safe home, schools and community to grow up in. As your next Circuit Judge, Tom is dedicated to making the communities in Madison County safer for all families and children by working hard every day to ensure easy and swift justice for the Citizens of Madison County. Sometimes, families need the help of the courts to protect themselves or a loved one. Tom will make sure cases requiring immediate help for children and other vulnerable family members receive the highest priority.
“Our Courts belong to the people, and I will treat them like the important stakeholders they truly are. The citizens are my boss, and I will work every day to earn and deserve their trust.” – Tom Gibbons
Tom lives in Granite City with his two teenage sons and wife, Lori, a Granite City Police lieutenant. The Gibbons’ family also includes three wonderful rescue dogs: Priscilla, a Golden-Collie mix rescued from a kill shelter; Raylan, a German Shepherd mix from Hope Rescues; and Tucker, a Lab mix who also came from Hope Rescues. Tom and his family regularly worship at a local church and are active in numerous community organizations and activities.
Tom’s professional affiliations include: Illinois State’s Attorney’s Association, National District Attorneys Association, Madison County Child Advocacy Advisory Board Vice Chair, Madison County Family Violence Prevention Council, Madison County Juvenile Diversion Program, Edwardsville Gun Club, Madison County Bar Association, National Rifle Association, and Illinois State Rifle Association. Tom is a certified Illinois Concealed Carry Instructor and Pistol Instructor and teaches regularly with local training groups.
Judge Fifth District Appellate Court – Sarah Smith
Judge Smith grew up in Edwardsville and graduated from Edwardsville High School. Right out of high school she joined the Army Reserves as a light wheeled vehicle and power generator mechanic and served in the Army to put herself through school. She attended Millikin University and obtained her Bachelors in Political Science and thereafter went on to earn her Master’s in Public Policy and Juris Doctorate degree. Upon her graduation from law school she commissioned with the Illinois Army National Guard as a First Lieutenant and began practicing plaintiff’s civil litigation.
Judge Smith was a civil litigator for over 10 years. During that time, she was mobilized for 45 days to provide support for Hurricane Katrina where she was awarded a Humanitarian Service Award. She deployed for 9 months to Kosovo in 2007, and immediately thereafter spent 12 months in Afghanistan. While deployed in Afghanistan, and in addition to her other duties, she served as a volunteer firefighter for Camp Phoenix and was selected to mentor the only female General in the Afghan National Army. She volunteered for numerous mounted and dismounted security patrols, traveled to remote areas of the country to provide legal services to Soldiers in combat outposts, and planned and executed over 20 Humanitarian Assistance missions for Afghan villages terrorized by the Taliban. For her service in Afghanistan she was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon her return from Afghanistan she was hired as an assistant State’s Attorney where she handled money laundering and drug trafficking cases as well as post-conviction matters. She was also assigned to the Madison County Veteran’s Treatment Court and assisted with the specialty court until her appointment to the bench in 2015. As an associate judge she presided over the Family Division, Third Judicial Circuit, Madison County, Illinois. She was the presiding judge over the Domestic Violence Accountability Court and the Child Support Accountability Court.
Judge Smith was elected in 2018 as a Circuit Court Judge and presides over a civil and criminal post-conviction docket. She serves as a Board Member of the Illinois Judges Association, the Illinois State Bar Association Military Committee as well as many local bar associations, civic and military organizations. She has earned various awards and recognitions for her community service. Judge Smith is a Colonel, the highest-ranking Judge Advocate in the Illinois Army National Guard. She was appointed as Illinois first Military Judge and first female Judge for the US Army Guard. Throughout her 25+ years in the military Sarah has served in various positions such as Command Judge Advocate, Senior Defense Counsel, and Chief of Military Justice and Operational Law. She was asked to speak at the United Nations symposium on two occasions regarding her counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan. She was the legal advisor to the Dual Status Commander during the NATO Summit in 2012 and was invited to speak in front of various foreign dignitaries and ministries of defense on her legal military experience.
Most recently she was mobilized for State Active Duty to assist with the COVID-19 response. Judge Smith graduated from the United State Army War College- Class of 2020 with a Master’s in Strategic Studies. She is married to a Lieutenant Colonel who is currently deployed to the Middle East for his fourth combat tour and they have three sons.
Justice, Illinois Supreme Court – Judy Cates
Judy Cates was born on April 22, 1952, and was raised in Belleville, Illinois. She attended Cornell University, receiving a B.A. in Government in 1973. She went on to receive her Juris Doctorate in 1977 from the Washington University School of Law – St. Louis. Before joining the Appellate Court, Judy Cates first practiced law as an Assistant State’s Attorney for St. Clair County, Illinois. After leaving the State’s Attorney’s office, she entered private practice, concentrating in complex litigation cases, such as personal injury, class actions, mass actions, sexual harassment, and corporate disputes. Justice Cates was engaged in the private practice of law for 30 years prior to being elected to the 5th District Appellate Court in 2012. She was admitted to practice law in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida, and maintains her licenses in these states. She remains a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association, and Florida Bar Association, as well as her local Bar Association. She was also admitted to practice in many federal courts across the country and enjoyed a nationwide reputation. Justice Cates was the first woman to serve as President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, was named one of the Top 50 Women lawyers in the State of Illinois, and recognized by her peers as a SuperLawyer with a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV-Preeminent. “I was elected by the people, and therefore, I will appeal to them again to send me to the State Supreme Court in November 2020,” Cates said.
Prior to being elected to the Appellate Court, Justice Cates taught Complex Litigation at the Washington University School of Law and Trial Advocacy at St. Louis University School of Law. Once elected, Justice Cates has served, and continues to serve, as a Moot Court judge for the S.I.U. School of Law and Washington University School of Law. Justice Cates served as the representative of the 5th District at the State of Illinois Judicial Conferences, teaching “Updates in Criminal Law” from 2012 to 2018. Justice Cates is a member of the Illinois Judges Association, the Illinois Bar Association (and member of the Bench & Bar Committee), and currently serves on a Supreme Court sub-committee developing a program for people to access the appellate court with the assistance of free legal aid. Justice Cates volunteers for that position. She is married to Darrell Cates, and they have three children – Dave, Lauren, and Robby.
Judge Dennis Ruth Retention – YES
Judge Dennis Ruth is a long time Collinsville area resident where he lives with his wife and son. He graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in 1986. After graduating he served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for two years. In 1988 Judge Ruth went into private practice in Granite City where he represented workers who had sustained industrial injuries. In 2001 he was appointed as an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and was appointed as Chairman of the Commission in 2003. He was re-appointed as Chairman in 2007. Judge Ruth was elected Circuit Judge in 2008 and retained in the 2014 general election.
Judge Richard Tognarelli Retention – YES
Judge Richard Tognarelli graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1974. He served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for 13 years and was in private practice for 27 years in Collinsville before his appointment as an Associate Circuit Judge in January 2002. He was elected as a Circuit Judge in 2008 and retained in 2014. Judge Tognarelli is Co-Chair of the Third Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council and is presently the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. He is married and has two sons.
County Board District 2 – DeAnn Rizzi
My name is DeAnn R. (Dall) Rizzi, and I am 55 years old. I was born and raised in Carlyle, IL. I have two brothers and one sister. I am married to Robert “Bob” Rizzi. I have one step-daughter, Brittany Rizzi. I have lived in Troy for about 25 years, all of which in District #2. When I moved to Troy I worked for Schuette Brothers (Super Valu), holding numerous positions in the grocery store, including Assistant Manager. In 1996, I had the opportunity to pursue a career in the law enforcement field as a Telecommunicator with the Troy Police Dept., and worked there for 3 years. I have worked for the Illinois State Police for the last 21 years, currently as a Communication Center Supervisor at District #11 in Collinsville. I come from a law enforcement family. Growing up my Dad was the County Sheriff. This inspired me to have an interest in the law enforcement field, and service to the community. I share this interest with other family members. My husband spent 27 years with the Troy Police Dept, retiring in 2013 as the Chief of Police. He now serves as the Director of Special Operations at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. My one brother, sister, step-daughter, along with other family members have also pursued careers in the law enforcement field. I hold a degree in Administration of Justice, and I am a University of Illinois Police Training Institute graduate. My Dad being the County Sheriff, also exposed me at an early age to the field of politics. I have alway considered becoming more involved in the community. A promotion to Communication Center Supervisor for the Illinois State Police in 2018 has afforded me the opportunity to pursue that goal. My goal is to listen to the residents of District #2. For me this is not a choice of the Democrats vs. Republicans. It is doing the right things and making the right choices for the people of District #2. I chose to run on the Democratic ticket due to the current District #2 County Board Member being a Republican, and I do not agree with how he has represented our District. When I began this journey I fully expected him to run for re-election. I was not recruited by anyone, this was my idea. I am self funding this campaign, because I want to represent all the citizens of District #2, not campaign donors. I started this page for the purpose of using it as one way for the residents to contact me directly, and to promote the great community that we live in. I encourage everyone to contact me with any concerns or ideas. I am open to listening, and doing what is best for the residents of District #2 and Madison County. I can be contacted through this Facebook page or by using my email: deann.rizzi@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting, talking to, and listening to the residents of Madison County’s District #2. Please share my page with all of your friends, relatives, and citizens of District #2 and help me get the word out
County Board District 3 – Maria Ferrari
I’m excited to begin this journey as I run for Madison County Board Member – District # 3. Let me take some time to introduce myself for those who do not already know me. My name is Maria Ferrari. My family and I just moved to Worden last year, but I have been in the Edwardsville area most of my life. I graduated from Edwardsville High School in 2004 and from SIUE in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a double minor in Political Science and Sociology. I have been a Law Enforcement Officer for 5 years now and have spent the last 4 years at the SIUE Police Department. I have always had a strong pull to Politics and have an even stronger belief that those elected should SERVE the people they represent and not utilize politics to serve THEMSELVES. I am passionate about learning the needs and wants of my District and hope to be elected in November and afforded the honor of representing those I will be serving to the best of my ability. I hope to have your support as I move forward in the process of campaigning.
County Board District 4 – Kelly A. Simpson
Kelly A. Simpson is the owner of Flinn Engineering, a small civil engineering consulting firm in Highland, Illinois. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois and Missouri, as well as a LEED® AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional). She has worked on the planning, design, construction, and operation of drinking water infrastructure for over 25 years.
Kelly has lived in Madison County for over 40 years and has served her community in various ways. She was on the Triad School Board from 2010 to 2019 and still serves as President of the Triad Foundation. She serves on the Board of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. Kelly previously served on the Madison County Planning Commission from 2016 to 2018 and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Division of United Way from 2011-2017.
Kelly earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1993 from Southern Illinois University -Edwardsville. She is active on committees in professional associations including the American Water Works Association and American Public Works Association. Kelly and her husband live in Highland. Two of her children live in Highland and one lives in Chicago. She is a novice gardener and loves to read. Kelly will serve with integrity and the public’s best interest in mind. As a civil engineer, that is already prominent in her code of ethics. She has a strong track record of serving her community and will continue to do so as a member of the County Board.
County Board District 8 – Michael Holliday, Sr.
Michael “Doc” Holliday, Sr. was elected to the Madison County Board District 8 in 1998, and is currently on the following committees: Information Systems, Personnel, Finance, and Chairman of the Health Committee. He graduated from Alton High School in 1961; and upon graduation, joined the Navy, finishing his tour of duty in January 1965. After returning to Alton, he was hired at Olin Corp. where he worked for 39½ years, becoming the first black machinist. Michael is a Deacon at Good News Baptist Church, in St. Louis, Missouri. He and his wife Priscilla have been married for over 40 years, and have two children.
County Board District 17 – Victor Valentine, Jr.
Learn more about Victor Valentine, Jr. here.
County Board District 19 – Dina Burch
As a County Board Member, I will focus my efforts on securing resources for much needed improvements to combat the district’s flooding issues while identifying cost saving opportunities in the County’s budget to help eliminate property tax increases throughout the county. I will also secure resources to help stimulate the economic growth within our community.
County Board District 20 – Kristen Novacich – Koberna
Public Service-
Elected and served on the Granite City Council April 2003-November 2006
Elected to the Madison County board while serving as Alderman in 2006 to present
Elected Granite City Precinct Committeeman 2001 to present
Professional History-
Specialist Certification- Lindenwood University Belleville, Illinois May 2018
Masters Educational Leadership- McKendree University Lebanon, Illinois December 2007
Bachelor of Science- McKendree College Lebanon, Illinois December 2000
Executive Director K-12 Curriculum/Professional Development- Granite City Community Unit District #9, July 2020 to present
Director of Elementary Education/Title I- Granite City Community Unit District #9, July 2014-July 2020
Principal Grigsby Middle school, Granite City, Illinois July 2009-July 2014
Assistant principal Grigsby Middle School, Granite City, Illinois May 2008-July 2009
Intern assistant principal Grigsby Middle School, Granite City, Illinois September 2007-May 2008
Teacher Coolidge Middle School, Granite City, Illinois 2001-2007
Member of Illinois Principal’s Association (IPA) July 2006-2020
United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI), University of Illinois, Springfield/Champaign Illinois 2009
Illinois Women’s Institute of Leadership (IWIL), class representative 2008
County Board District 26 – Collin Van Meter
For the past three and a half years, we have watched the partisan politics run amok in our County Board. Games have been played to the detriment of the people who live and work here for the benefit of grandstanding and the loss of taxpayer dollars. This is local government. It’s not supposed to be political. It’s just supposed to work for the people of this community. I want to bring our County Board back to basics, take politics out of the picture, and write a new chapter moving forward that listens to all residents – not just those in one party. I have lived in Madison County most of my life. From a young age, I experienced the wonderful community that exists here. As a teenager in Alton and Godfrey, I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Alton Senior High School. I earned a Master of Science Degree from SIUE, and twelve years ago my wife and I were married here. Now we raise our two children in Glen Carbon, where we have always enjoyed the parks, bike trails, and especially the Glen Carbon Homecoming. This area has provided so many wonderful things that I decided I wanted to give back. My first step, nine years ago, was leaving the private sector and taking an amazing job at my alma mater, SIUE, a public institution. Then, in 2017, I was selected to represent the views of civil service employees as a Senator of the SIUE Staff Senate. In 2018, I was elected as a board trustee to represent more than 250,000 members of the Illinois State University Retirement System – quite a few of whom live and work right here in Madison County. I have always dedicated myself to looking out for the members of our community and volunteering my time to give people a voice. In every role I have served, I have worked tirelessly for the people I represent, and I will. do that for the Madison County 26th district. I am not a politician; I will put aside my political viewpoints and make decisions that reflect the views and best interests of the people of my district. So, my neighbors, my community members, my friends, and those I have yet to have the pleasure to meet, I ask you to support my candidacy and vote for me for Madison County Board.
County Board District 27 – Paul Rydgig
Get more info on Paul Rydgig here.
County Board District 29 – Jim Trucano
Get more info on Jim Trucano here.