PONTIAC — A Pontiac farmer and community leader has become the third GOP candidate to announce his candidacy for the Illinois State Senate's 53rd District.
On Thursday, Jesse Faber announced his campaign for the historically red Senate district, which will be vacated by Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City.
In his campaign announcement, Faber said the state must prioritize basic law and order and make sure people have the ability to create guidelines for their communities reflecting how they wish to live and raise a family.
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“Combining my experience in agribusiness and good public policy with my passion for teaching, coaching, and mentoring our next generation of leaders has given me a unique perspective on what our state needs as we move forward," Faber said in a statement. "In Springfield, I will be a bold voice for common-sense, conservative policies that will save our families, farmers, businesses and children."
The sixth-generation farmer and father of two has served more than a decade on the Livingston County Farm Bureau board and has served as president of the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, chair of the Illinois Agriculture Education Legislative Committee and a member of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's Agriculture Advisory Council.
He currently is finishing a doctoral degree in agricultural education and leadership from the University of Missouri.
Faber faces a primary challenge from Livingston County Board member Mike Kirkton and Grundy County Board chair Chris Balkema.
The newly drawn 53rd Senate district includes all or parts of Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.
Bennett, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by former Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, announced in July that he would not run for another term.
Read the documents: Livingston County, Dewberry lawsuit
See filings in Livingston County's lawsuit against the Dewberry, the firm responsible for the design and construction of its courthouse.