McHenry Times

Jerry Evans, a candidate for the 11th Congressional District, has expressed his appreciation for a holiday luncheon that gathered Republican servant leaders, including DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin. Evans particularly praised Berlin's relentless efforts to ensure the safety of the residents of DuPage County and Illinois.

“I had a phenomenal time at a holiday luncheon with many great Republican servant leaders today,” Evans said on Facebook. “One of those leaders was State’s Attorney Bob Berlin - a true unsung hero in Illinois. Thank you State’s Attorney Berlin for everything you do to keep the people of DuPage County & Illinois safe.”

Berlin has been serving as the DuPage County State’s Attorney since 2010. According to information available on its website, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office is among the top 50 largest prosecutor’s offices nationwide.

Earlier this year, according to DuPage Policy Journal, Berlin announced his intention to seek a fourth term in office. Since assuming office in 2010, he has been re-elected three times consecutively as a Republican in 2012, 2016, and 2020. During his tenure, Berlin has been actively involved in advocacy work, especially within the executive committee of Fight Crime Invest in Kids Illinois. Here he successfully lobbied for increased state funding for programs aimed at reducing crime and improving outcomes for children.

Berlin voiced strong opposition against the SAFE-T Act which came into effect on Sept. 18 despite widespread disapproval from all but two of the state’s 102 state’s attorneys and legal challenges. The Act brought changes to bond provisions for violent crimes. Berlin referred to it as a "dangerousness standard," according to an earlier report from DuPage Policy Journal. His position reflects apprehensions about potential difficulties in detaining criminals, particularly repeat offenders or those involved in violent crimes.

Evans' campaign website highlights his background as a small-business owner along with his deep commitment towards education and community service. As an entrepreneur, he founded a school of music in the Chicago suburbs. Originally moving to the Chicago area in 2002 to attend Wheaton College, Evans earned a degree in music. Currently residing in Warrenville with his wife, Lisa, and their sons, Michael and Levi, Evans has dedicated time to mentoring young adults, training missionaries, and participating in mission trips to India, Mexico and South Africa.

The 11th Congressional District covers most of McHenry and Kane Counties and parts of Boone, Lake, DeKalb, DuPage, Cook and Will Counties. U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.), who currently represents the district, has provided a map on his website.