District 103 encompasses most of Champaign and Urbana. Democrat Carol Ammons was elected to the seat in 2014.
Libertarian Bielert is a mechanic whose family has lived in Champaign for three generations. This is his first time running for office. He does not support the graduated income tax amendment currently on the ballot. He believes that Governor Pritzker “has acted as an autocrat and an authoritarian” with regard to COVID restrictions, and that businesses should not have to adhere to any mask-wearing mandates. If elected, he plans to work toward redrawing the Illinois legislative maps as part of the Fair Map amendment (passed in 2016).
He failed to respond to a request from the League of Women Voters, NAACP of Champaign County, the News-Gazette, and WILL to participate in a candidate forum.
From his candidate questionnaire in the News-Gazette:
My top priority is two-pronged: draft fair, unbiased legislative district maps in Illinois and pass legislation to diminish the House Speaker’s power.
In 2014, Ammons was the first Black woman elected to the Illinois House from District 103. She has lived in Champaign for about 20 years, and has a background in grassroots activism. Since being elected, she has worked for criminal justice reform and environmental protections. Most notably, she worked on a bill that banned PCP disposal in the Mahomet Aquifer. She also helped pass a bill that lowered the cost of phone calls for incarcerated individuals. Ammons supports the graduated income tax amendment.
If reelected, Ammons promises to continue fighting for COVID relief and criminal justice reform.
From her candidate questionnaire in the News-Gazette:
My first order of business this fall session would be to pass a bold widespread COVID-19 Response that focuses on financial stimulation to economically insecure communities to ensure our government works for everyone.
Photos from (l) Brad Bielert for House Facebook page and (r) Carol Ammons’ Facebook page.