📣 Important Update: 2026 Illinois House Election — Help Get Our Candidates on the Ballot!
🗓 The 2026 Illinois House of Representatives election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect all 118 members of the Illinois House.
📍 In the 71st District, which covers parts of Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Rock Island, and Warren counties in western Illinois, we have a new opportunity to make a change. 💡 Why it matters: Daniel Swanson (R) ran unopposed last time. Let’s show up. Let’s make a difference. Let’s get our candidates the support they need to compete and win.
📍 In the 71st District, which covers parts of Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Rock Island, and Warren counties in western Illinois, we have a new opportunity to make a change. 💡 Why it matters: Daniel Swanson (R) ran unopposed last time. Let’s show up. Let’s make a difference. Let’s get our candidates the support they need to compete and win.
Kermit Thomas
Kermit Thomas is dedicated to serving the communities of the 71st District through thoughtful policies and inclusive leadership. Together, we can shape a promising future for all, regardless of where we live.
Kermit Thomas is dedicated to serving the communities of the 71st District through thoughtful policies and inclusive leadership. Together, we can shape a promising future for all, regardless of where we live.
Kermit Thomas is dedicated to serving the communities of the 71st District through thoughtful policies and inclusive leadership. Together, we can shape a promising future for all, regardless of where we live.
Montez Soliz
Bio:
I'm Montez Soliz, an IL-17 native born and raised in Rockford IL and the oldest of nine in a working-class family. My mom had me as a teenager, and they told her she’d never
graduate high school. She proved them wrong, walking across that stage with me in her arms. That’s where I learned grit, perseverance, and the power of community. I know the struggles families face from sky-high healthcare costs to stagnant wages and underfunded schools. I’m running for Congress to put people over profit, protect our freedoms, and build a future where everyone in IL-17 can thrive.
At Northern Illinois University, I served as President of Model Illinois Government and led governmental affairs in student government. I went on to work for State Rep. Lance Yednock, State Rep. Maurice West, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. Interning for Rep. Underwood during the 2022 midterms and then joining her staff full-time showed me what principled, people-first leadership looks like.
I’m stepping forward and running for Congress because our future and the next generation’s future are on the line. I will not sit back and let others decide it for us. I’m running because I know in my heart that this is our time. Not a time to wait. IL-17 deserves a representative as bold as the challenges we face.
I'm Montez Soliz, an IL-17 native born and raised in Rockford IL and the oldest of nine in a working-class family. My mom had me as a teenager, and they told her she’d never
graduate high school. She proved them wrong, walking across that stage with me in her arms. That’s where I learned grit, perseverance, and the power of community. I know the struggles families face from sky-high healthcare costs to stagnant wages and underfunded schools. I’m running for Congress to put people over profit, protect our freedoms, and build a future where everyone in IL-17 can thrive.
At Northern Illinois University, I served as President of Model Illinois Government and led governmental affairs in student government. I went on to work for State Rep. Lance Yednock, State Rep. Maurice West, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. Interning for Rep. Underwood during the 2022 midterms and then joining her staff full-time showed me what principled, people-first leadership looks like.
I’m stepping forward and running for Congress because our future and the next generation’s future are on the line. I will not sit back and let others decide it for us. I’m running because I know in my heart that this is our time. Not a time to wait. IL-17 deserves a representative as bold as the challenges we face.
Geoffrey Schulz
Geoffrey Schulz running for 71st House Representative (State of Illinois)
