Campton Twp. Woman Aiming For Wheeler’s IL House Seat

KANE COUNTY, IL — A nonprofit consultant and former executive is challenging state Rep. Keith Wheeler for his seat in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Kate Monteleone, of Campton Township, was selected to run for the 50th House district seat by leaders of the Democratic organizations in Kane and Kendall counties, according to a news release. Wheeler (R-Oswego) has held the seat since 2015. The 50th district includes all or parts of Aurora, North Aurora, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Montgomery, Yorkville, Oswego, Campton Hills, Sugar Grove and Elburn.

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Monteleone has a quarter-century of experience in the nonprofit sector, the release states. She served as an executive for the American Cancer Society and the Illinois chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and has consulted for other nonprofits for the past decade, according to her LinkedIn profile.

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Monteleone said she supports property tax relief for homeowners and increased state funding for public schools, the release states. She said she is also running to make sure the state’s redistricting process — set to occur next year — reflects local communities.

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"Illinois has its problems. Our infrastructure is crumbling and there are disparities in access to healthcare, education and justice that must be addressed,” Monteleone said in the release. “Moving beyond this moment requires courage, compassion and understanding the art of compromise. Governance is not a zero-sum game.”

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Mark Guethle, chairman of the Kane County Democrats, said Monteleone “has the judgement and maturity” to appeal to voters in the county, while Kendall County Democrats chairwoman Julie Gondar lauded her for stepping up “to run under difficult circumstances” amid the coronaviurs pandemic.

“Her drive and tenacity prove that she has exactly what it takes to win this seat in November and to fight for her constituents in the 50th House District,” Gondar said in the release. “I can't wait to vote for her.”