McHenry Times

McHenry County Board member Craig Wilcox is officially vying for the Senate District 32 seat held by Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), who decided to not seek re-election.

“We filed our nominating petitions at the first opportunity, joining hundreds in line on Nov. 27,” Wilcox told the McHenry Times, noting his former 24-year military service is why has thrown his hat in the ring. “Shortly after I left the service I started speaking to prominent members within the community about their service, and I had a minor revelation, I was not finished serving.”

Wilcox said that for decades, the policies coming out of Springfield have not reflected Illinoisans' values. 

“We need elected officials who will propose tough changes to state statutes, set in place strong economic foundations, and turn the tide of future expectations that won’t drown our state in unfunded liabilities,” Wilcox said, adding the Springfield ruling class passed a 32 percent income tax hike without appropriate reforms.

“On top of this, homeowners in Lake and McHenry counties pay the highest property taxes in the nation, driving families out of our communities and destroying home values,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox said gathering petition signatures revealed to him the reality of politics, specifically when he was speaking with a constituent and a teenage boy came downstairs.

“She mentioned that I was one of the people he was talking about at school, and before my ego could grow, thinking our County Board actions or our candidacy for state Senate was a hot topic in the high school government classes, he broke his silence,” Wilcox said. “He asked if we would be putting up campaign signs again soon. When I told him we would be, he smiled big, and told me they make the best snowball targets around.”

While he may have snow thrown at his campaign signs, Wilcox said he will continue to walk door-to-door.

“The campaign is now a sprint to the March 20th primary, and we will be focused on voter interaction, explaining what we stand for, asking for their support, and taking the time to understand their concerns and vision for the future of Illinois,” Willcox said, adding Springfield must focus on lowering taxes, removing burdensome regulations and finding leaders committed to passing desperately needed reforms.

“We will reach out to the people of the district and communicate that we believe they are worth fighting for, that Illinois is worth fighting for," Wilcox said, adding “We will continue to listen to them, hearing what they want and how they are doing.”  

Wilcox said the same tough decisions he made while serving America will be made in the state Capitol if he is elected.

“My parents and the Air Force taught me to live by a code of values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in everything we do, values I intend to take to Springfield,” Wilcox said.