Ventura's run for Illinois State Senate

Finding an ethical political candidate with no ties to big business seems like a difficult task. This is why a candidate like Rachel Ventura is a breath of fresh air in Will County. Ventura is currently running for the 43rd District State Senate Democratic bid against newcomer Eric Mattson.

Last June, Ventura announced her bid to run for the seat after John Connor announced he would not run for reelection, but would instead seek the Will County Circuit Judge seat. Ventura was running unopposed for the democratic bid until newcomer Mattson tossed his hat in the ring this February.

Ventura and Mattson are both home-town candidates. Both grew up and attended school in Joliet. Both work in the public sector and have volunteered in their community. But, outside of this basic information, it is hard to garner much more information about Mattson, outside of the fact that he is running because he “wants to make a difference”. While a noble quality, indeed, it does not give the voter much to go off of.

A quick glance at Mattson’s website allows for four issues that he is taking a stand on: Affordable Healthcare, high quality education for all, for him to be ethical, and a woman’s right to choose. No action plans. No new ideas to change the rhetoric already being pressed in Springfield today. The only ideas listed relate to education, and aren’t plausible in the position of
state senator, but would be better suited for someone running for a local school board position.

And that’s it. No additional information about Mattson or his stance on the world today. No divulging of details as to how he is reaching the voters. Mattson seems to be relying on little other than the fact that he is a Joliet Firefighter to help garner votes and support. The press seems to sway towards Mattson as “the guy who supports unions”, implying somehow that his opponent does not.

Ventura is a product of a union home and states on her website that she is pro-labor and unionization. Her fight to see a fair living wage for all has been widely publicized, and belittled.

As you head out to the polls this year, research your candidates and make sure you know what they really stand for.

The election is June 28, 2022. Polls are open until 7pm. Early voting starts today!