6th District Primary: Casten Unopposed; Republican Race Heats Up

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL, 6) is unopposed in the Democratic primary and could face off against former gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives in November. Casten, who was elected in 2018 to represent Illinois's 6th District, has been the first Democrat to hold that seat in more than 40 years.

Meanwhile, Ives will faces off against Gordon Kinzler in the Republican primary Tuesday.

Let's take a look at how the candidates stack up against one another.

Background and Family

Former Illinois State representative Jeanne Ives is also known for making a bid against Bruce Rauner in the 2018 gubernatorial election. Ives also served in the U.S. Army.

She lives in Wheaton with her husband, Paul, and their five children.

Climate Change

On her campaign website, Ives says, "I do not dispute that the climate is changing. But we need smart solutions that deal in reality. Not crazy “deals” premised on the irrational idea that the world is ending."

She goes on to call Casten's stance on climate change "alarmist." Ives says, "My opponent’s climate alarmism, like his colleague Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ 14-page Green New Deal, are symbolic of the problems with leftist, politicized environmentalism. "

Health Care

Ives's campaign website states that she supports the Republican Study Committee's recent plan.

Gun Reform

Ives is a supporter of the 2nd Amendment, per her campaign website. She writes, "As a mom, I think safe homes, schools and streets are critically important. I am also adamant about protecting our constitutional right to bear arms. This right must not be infringed upon."

Kinzler

Kinzler is a transplant surgeon and Army Reserve colonel.

Background and Family

Kinzler and his wife have lived in Glen Ellyn for 26 years and have two children, daughter Allie and son Andrew.

Health Care

Kinzler states on his campaign website, "Doctors should be able to advocate for their patients in regards to the medical care they receive. There needs to be more choice, personalized care and less bureaucracy."

Immigration

Per his campaign website, Kinzler believes "[T]here is a real and immediate need to enforce laws regulating foreign nationals entering our nation. This begins with securing our borders and deporting aliens who are felons."

Gun Reform

Kinzler writes, "I own firearms not just for recreational purposes, but to protect my family against criminals and government tyranny. The right for Americans to keep and bear arms must not be infringed."