Republican announces run for McGuire state senate seat

A U.S. Marine veteran is running for the Illinois Senate seat held by Pat McGuire in the 43rd District.

Ben Bierly is running as a Republican to succeed McGuire, who announced this week he wouldn't be seeking reelection in 2020.

He’s arguing for principles of limited and fiscally responsible government and decries the prospect of the state implementing a graduated income tax.

“As a father of five, I am concerned about the direction our state is heading,” Bierly said in a news release. “Democrats control every facet of state government, and they’re back to doing what they do best – raising our taxes again.”

Bierly was a U.S. Marine
for 20 years and completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.

After Bierly retired from the Marines in 2013, he taught Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps classes at Romeoville High School and political science courses at two colleges.

“I will bring this same dedication with me to Springfield and will fight to ensure our children have a brighter future,” Bierly said. “I will fight for better schools, lower taxes and for a fair map amendment that will allow Illinois residents to choose their elected official, not have their elected officials draw boundaries that benefit one party.”

McGuire, D-Joliet, announced Monday he would not seek reelection next year.

State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, also announced he would seek the Democratic nomination to represent the 43rd District.