Darien Area Lawmaker Bowing Out

DARIEN, IL – The state lawmaker who was appointed six months ago to represent Darien and surrounding areas has decided against running for the office in his own right.

On Wednesday, Rep. John Egofske, a Lemont Republican, said he wanted to focus on his other elected job, mayor of Lemont.

In February, Egofske was selected by party insiders in a secretive process. He replaced Jim Durkin, a Western Springs Republican who resigned after winning re-election.

In a statement Wednesday, Egofske pointed to his responsibilities as mayor of Lemont for his decision to not run in the November 2024 election. He said Lemont continues to grow and manage new projects and economic development.

He also said he wanted to work with state leaders to reverse legislation that has diverted $1 billion in income tax money meant for municipalities.

"These Local Government Distributive Funds are no longer available and instead are being used to fund newly created State programs," Egofske said in the statement.

Egofske's exit opens the way for both Republicans and Democrats to vie for the seat. Among those politicians are Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, who has run for positions such as congressman and attorney general in recent years. Like Durkin, Grasso has been critical of the Trump wing of the Republican Party.

Along with Egofske, the other Republican candidate who applied for Durkin's position earlier this year was Nicole LaHa Zwiercan. She is a former Homer Glen trustee, the 2022 Mrs. America and the former Illinois State Senate secretary.

In a news release shortly after Egofske's announcement, LaHa Zwiercan issued a statement saying she was running with the lawmaker's endorsement.

"Illinois government needs a major reset," La Ha Zwiercan said in the statement. "People here and across the state deserve more leaders who will fight for families, ensure parental rights and input, and make Illinois more affordable, so taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned money. I have a heart for service and I care deeply about our community which is why I am stepping up to run to be your voice in Springfield."

Egofske's District 82 includes all or parts of Burr Ridge, Darien, Western Springs, Willowbrook, Homer Glen and Lemont.