SE Illinois News

Illinois State Rep. Patrick Windhorst announced that he is running for re-election in the Republican Primary as the 117th district State Representative. The Primary Election will take place on Tues., March 19, 2024.

He was first elected to represent the 118th District in 2018, and won the election for the 117th District in 2022, changed due to redistricting. Windhorst also currently serves as the House Republican Floor Leader.

“The people of Southern Illinois have entrusted me to represent their values in Springfield, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I have fought back against the supermajority Democrats in Springfield as they have worked to ban firearms, end cash bail, and expand taxpayer-funded abortion services. I am proud to be able to say that my record on conservative values is strong and consistent,” Windhorst said in his Sept. 3 Facebook post.

According to his website, Windhorst has been actively involved in various committees and subcommittees during his tenure. These include committees on criminal administration and enforcement, ethics and elections, firearms and firearm safety, higher education, and human services, among others. He has a strong educational background, having obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Windhorst's current term does not end until January 2025. According to Ballotpedia, he recently ran for re-election in the 2022 primary and secured a victory with 72.7% of the vote.

In his Facebook post, he said, “I believe my constituents are best served when their conservative values are heard in Springfield, and when I can stand in the way of radical liberal legislation to ask tough questions and point out flaws in bills. In my position as Floor Leader, I help to organize and direct debate on key bills and that means greater representation of the values of the people that I serve.”

Windhorst's highlights several key issues on his campaign website that he is focused on, including lower taxes and spending, job creation, public safety, and term limits. He is promising, according to the website, to “enact laws that improve public safety and support our law enforcement at all levels,” and also notes that “cutting burdensome regulations, reforming our worker’s compensation system, and creating a comprehensive economic development strategy for our region is the only way to improve Illinois’ economy.”