OAK LAWN, IL—GOP candidate Christine McGovern, of Oak Lawn, is running for an open seat in the 18th District Senate race. The 2026 Gubernatorial Election is Nov. 3.
The 18th District covers all or parts of Alsip, Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Merrionette Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Orland Park, Willow Springs, Worth and the Southwest Side neighborhoods of Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Morgan Park and portions of Chicago's 18th, 19th and 21st Wards.
Your Name
Christine McGovern
Town of Residence:
Oak Lawn
Position Sought:
IL State Senate District 18
Party Affiliation:
Republican
Family:
Daughters Sarah 26 Morah 23
Education:
BA University of New York Northern Illinois University
Occupation:
Managing Broker 15 years, Teacher
Previous or current elected or appointed office:
Local School Council Annie Keller School, Chicago
Campaign website:
The single most pressing issue facing our district or state is ___________, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing our district and state is affordability, and it starts with financial accountability in Springfield.
Illinois families are being taxed to the point where they can barely afford to live in the communities they helped build. Property taxes, gas taxes, tolls, groceries, utilities, and housing costs continue to rise. Meanwhile, Springfield continues spending and asking taxpayers for more.
As a mother, small business owner, and real estate managing broker, I see firsthand how these costs affect families, seniors, and young adults trying to purchase their first home.
Let's talk about where our money is going.
We need complete transparency and accountability for every taxpayer dollar, including money distributed to nonprofit organizations, commonly referred to as NGOs. Who is receiving these funds? How much are they receiving? What services are they providing? And most importantly, where is the proof that our tax dollars are being spent appropriately?
Why are funds being reallocated from their original purposes? Who authorizes those decisions, and why aren't taxpayers given a clear explanation?
Why are major budget decisions being presented and voted on in the early morning hours when hardworking Illinois residents are sleeping? A budget involving billions of taxpayer dollars deserves public scrutiny, not last-minute negotiations behind closed doors.
Why are lawmakers voting on salary increases while the families they represent are struggling to pay their bills? I believe voters deserve to examine those votes, including the records of my opponent and other legislators who supported compensation increases.
Financial accountability starts with elected officials holding themselves to the same standards they expect from taxpayers.
I support independent audits, public disclosure of government grants, eliminating duplicate programs, reducing unnecessary spending, and requiring measurable results from organizations receiving state funding.
I will fight to make Illinois more affordable, protect taxpayers, and bring transparency back to Springfield.
Government needs to learn to live within its means, just like the families it represents.
Our tax dollars belong to the people, not the politicians.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The biggest difference between my opponent and me is our connection to the people we want to represent. I am not a career politician. I am a mother, teacher, small business owner, and community advocate who has spent years standing up for families long before I ever considered running for office.
Let me give you an example of how we differ.
During the petition process, I personally collected nearly 1,500 signatures by knocking on doors, talking with neighbors, and listening to their concerns. My volunteers helped collect another 1,500 signatures. My opponent personally collected approximately 40 signatures, with her volunteers and paid support collecting the rest.
That speaks volumes about how differently we approach public service.
I want to know the people I represent. I want to hear their concerns, understand their struggles, and be accessible to them. You cannot truly represent a community if you are unwilling to engage with the people who live there.
Let's also talk about commitment.
Fran Hurley was elected to the Illinois House in November 2022. She left that elected position in 2023 and accepted an appointment to the Illinois Labor Relations Board under Governor Pritzker.
The voters elected her to represent them in Springfield. They did not elect her to leave for an appointed position. That raises a question I believe every voter deserves to ask. Who is she really representing? The people who elected her, or the political establishment that appointed her?
I am not running for a steppingstone to another government position. I am not running to add another credit to a government pension. I am running because I genuinely care about this community and the future we are leaving our children and grandchildren.
Our policies are also very different.
I believe parents should have the primary voice in decisions about their children's upbringing, including sensitive questions about gender identity. I oppose age-inappropriate sexual content in our schools and believe our classrooms should focus on education, not political ideology.
My opponent represents the Democratic Party. I represent conservative principles, traditional family values, personal freedom, and fiscal responsibility. I am concerned about the growing influence of Democratic Socialists of America and progressive policies within Illinois politics. I believe voters deserve to know where their elected officials stand on those policies.
I believe American citizens should come first in government priorities. I oppose Illinois' sanctuary state policies, support federal immigration enforcement, and believe in legal immigration. We are a nation of laws, and those laws should be respected.
But the biggest difference between us is not simply what we believe. It is what we have actually done.
I helped coordinate the Chicago team of Reopen Illinois because I believed small businesses and families deserved a voice during government shutdowns.
I was a founding member of Back the Blue Chicago when our police officers needed support.
I fought against the longer school day because I believed children and families deserved time together.
I fought to make sexual abuse records involving the Joliet Diocese public because protecting victims and children mattered more than protecting powerful institutions.
I also traveled to Wisconsin and testified before a legislative committee in support of changing the law so that voluntary intoxication could not be used as an excuse for murder.
I did all of this before running for political office.
I was an ordinary neighbor, mother, friend, and coworker who saw something wrong and decided to do something about it.
That is what public service means to me.
For 23 years, District 18 has been represented by Democrats. This election is an opportunity to decide whether we want another continuation of the same political leadership or someone who has already demonstrated the courage to stand up for our communities.
I have never needed an elected title to fight for what is right. And I certainly do not need permission from a political party to stand up for the people.
When I get to Springfield, I will bring that same determination, guided by my faith, my convictions, courage, compassion, and wisdom.
I will not be a rubber stamp for the governor or political leadership.
I will be a voice for the people of District 18.
I am not asking voters to judge me simply by what I promise to do. I am asking them to look at what I have already done.
My actions speak louder than any campaign promise.
I may be out-funded, but I will never be outworked.
If you support tax cuts in Illinois, what spending should be eliminated to offset those cuts? Please be specific. Should Illinois enact a progressive income tax in which higher earners pay greater percentages of their income?
Yes, I support tax relief, and no, I do not support a progressive income tax.
Illinois does not have a revenue problem that can simply be solved by raising taxes. We have a spending and accountability problem.
I would start with independent audits of state agencies, eliminating duplicate programs, reviewing administrative costs, reducing unnecessary consulting contracts, and examining grants and taxpayer-funded organizations to make sure the money is being used for its intended purpose.
Programs that cannot demonstrate results should be restructured or eliminated. We must also address waste, fraud, and mismanagement before asking working families to sacrifice another dollar.
I believe people who work hard, take risks, build businesses, and create jobs should not be punished for their success.
Tax cuts must be paired with responsible budgeting and realistic spending reductions, not more borrowing or shifting costs onto property taxpayers.
Government needs to spend less before demanding more.
What specific steps should be taken to reduce the state's massive unfunded liability in its pension systems?
Yes, I support pension reform. Illinois has made promises that taxpayers are struggling to afford, and we cannot continue down the same path expecting different results.
I believe we need to protect the retirement benefits that public employees have already earned while making responsible changes for the future.
We need to move toward 401(k) style retirement plans for new employees, address double and triple pensions, and stop pension spiking, where large salary increases near retirement lead to higher pension payouts for years to come.
We also need greater transparency and accountability in how our pension systems are managed. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going and whether these systems are financially sustainable.
Any constitutional amendment must be carefully written to respect benefits already earned while allowing Illinois to make necessary reforms going forward.
I respect our teachers, police officers, firefighters, and public employees who have worked hard and earned their retirement. This is not about taking away what people have earned. It is about creating a fair and sustainable system for future generations.
We cannot keep passing today's financial problems on to our children and grandchildren. At some point, Springfield needs to make the tough decisions that hardworking Illinois families make every day.
What would you do to make housing, food, gas and utilities more affordable for Illinois residents?
Affordability starts with getting government out of the pockets of hardworking Illinois families.
As a real estate broker and small business owner, I see firsthand how rising property taxes, insurance costs, and everyday expenses are affecting our families. Seniors are struggling to stay in homes they have lived in for decades, while young families are finding it harder to purchase their first home.
I support meaningful property tax relief, reducing unnecessary regulations that drive up housing costs, and responsible development that respects our local communities.
We need to take a serious look at our gas taxes, tolls, and additional fees. People should not be punished financially simply for driving to work, taking their children to school, or visiting family.
Utility bills are another major concern. We need transparency, responsible energy planning, and accountability for policies that increase costs for consumers.
But let's talk about two other issues that affect affordability. Immigration spending and crime.
Could you imagine how much financial relief District 18 families could see if Illinois ended its sanctuary state policies and reviewed where those taxpayer dollars are going? I believe American citizens should come first when we establish our spending priorities. We need a full accounting of these costs and an honest discussion about where savings could be directed.
Also, can you imagine how much additional revenue Illinois could generate if businesses felt more confident investing here? Crime has a financial cost. Businesses dealing with repeated thefts and robberies face higher security expenses, insurance costs, and uncertainty. Even video gambling establishments have been targeted by organized theft operations. We need to take these crimes seriously and hold offenders accountable.
When businesses feel safe, they have greater confidence to invest, expand, hire employees, and contribute to our economy.
Food prices affect every family. When transportation, energy, and operating costs increase, those expenses can be passed along to consumers. We need policies that support Illinois farmers, small businesses, and a competitive economy.
I want Illinois to be a state where businesses want to stay, families can afford to live, and seniors can enjoy the retirement they worked so hard for.
At the end of the day, people should be able to afford groceries, heat their homes, fill their gas tanks, pay their mortgages, and still have a little money left to enjoy life.
That should not be too much to ask.
How has the state's decision to legalize marijuana in 2019 worked out?
I do not believe legalizing recreational marijuana has been the success story Springfield wants us to believe.
Yes, marijuana sales generate tax revenue, but we need to look beyond the money. What are the long-term effects on our children, public health, impaired driving, and our neighborhoods?
Let me be clear. I believe marijuana has legitimate medical benefits, and I support its responsible use for medical purposes. I also believe adults have the right to make their own choices in the privacy of their homes. What you choose to do in your own home is your business, but when those choices affect others, especially our children, it becomes a public concern.
I am tired of smelling marijuana everywhere I go. On our streets, in parking lots, and around places where families gather. Children should not have to grow up thinking that being under the influence is simply part of everyday life.
As a mother, educator, and someone who has spent years working with children, I believe prevention starts with education. We need to teach our children about the risks of drug use and give parents the tools to have honest conversations with them. I still believe in teaching our kids to say no to drugs.
We need stronger enforcement against impaired driving, illegal distribution, and sales to minors. We also need transparency about where marijuana tax revenue is going and whether prevention and treatment programs are actually making a difference.
Government should never become so dependent on tax revenue that it overlooks the social costs.
I believe in personal freedom, but freedom comes with responsibility. What you do in your own home is your choice. What happens in our streets, schools, and neighborhoods affects all of us.
Our children's future is worth more than another revenue stream for Springfield.
What role, if any, should the state play in keeping the Bears in Illinois, and what public assistance would you support for a new stadium? What would losing the Chicago Bears to a neighboring state mean in terms of loss of revenue?
I am a lifelong Chicago sports fan, and I would love to see the Bears remain in Illinois. The Bears are part of our history, our traditions, and our economy. Generations of families have grown up cheering for this team.
I also believe we need to remember who is paying the bills.
Illinois families are already struggling with property taxes, gas taxes, tolls, utilities, and the rising cost of everyday life. I do not believe we should ask those same families to finance a privately owned professional football stadium.
There is no question that Bears games generate economic activity for restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and other businesses. If the Bears leave Illinois, some of that spending and tax revenue could leave with them. However, we need an independent economic impact study to determine how much revenue would actually be lost, rather than relying on inflated projections.
I would consider public infrastructure improvements such as roads, transportation, and utilities if those improvements provide long-term benefits to surrounding communities, not just the football team. Any agreement must include substantial private investment, transparency, and accountability.
I would not support a blank check, new taxes, or placing the financial risk of stadium construction on Illinois taxpayers.
I want the Bears to stay. I want Illinois businesses to benefit. But I also want our taxpayers protected.
We can love our Chicago Bears without expecting hardworking families to pay for a billionaire-owned business.
The state needs to negotiate responsibly, protect taxpayers, and make decisions based on facts, not emotions.
Should the state cooperate with federal immigration authorities in investigations? What should be the limits, if any?
Yes. I believe Illinois should cooperate with federal immigration authorities, especially in investigations involving violent crime, human trafficking, drug distribution, and crimes against women and children.
Let me be clear. I support legal immigration. I have friends who came to America legally, worked hard, raised families, and built wonderful lives here. Immigration has always been part of our country's history.
We are also a nation of laws, and those laws need to mean something.
I oppose Illinois' sanctuary state policies. I believe Governor Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson need to answer an important question. Why aren't we doing more to cooperate with federal authorities when individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes are already in custody?
When someone is lawfully detained and federal immigration authorities have a legitimate reason to take custody, I believe there should be a clear, lawful process for cooperation. We should not create unnecessary barriers that put public safety at risk.
We also need to have an honest conversation about the protests surrounding immigration enforcement. People have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, and I respect that right. But protesting should never become an excuse for violence, intimidation, or interfering with lawful investigations.
I also want transparency about who organizes and funds these protests. If protesters are being paid, the public deserves accurate information about that funding. We should establish the facts rather than rely on rumors.
I have a question for those who oppose cooperation with federal immigration authorities. If someone has committed a violent crime against a child or a woman, would you want that person released into your neighborhood? Would you feel comfortable having that person near your own family?
These are serious questions, and we need to have real conversations about them.
At the same time, every investigation must respect constitutional rights, due process, and the law. No one should be targeted because of their appearance or background. An arrest or accusation is not the same as a conviction.
I believe in legal immigration. I believe in protecting American citizens. I believe in supporting our law enforcement officers and holding people accountable for their actions.
We can show compassion while enforcing our laws. We can respect human dignity while protecting our communities.
Public safety should never become a political game.
Should the state regulate Flock cameras/automated license plate readers? Why or why not?
Yes. I support giving our law enforcement officers the technology and tools they need to keep our communities safe. But I also believe government needs to be accountable for how that technology is used and how our taxpayer dollars are spent.
I helped start Back the Blue because I believe in standing behind the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us. I have always believed that safe communities are the foundation of strong families and successful businesses.
Flock cameras can be valuable tools in identifying stolen vehicles, locating suspects, and helping solve crimes. Are they actually working, and are taxpayers getting what they paid for?
I would support requiring regular public reports showing how many stolen vehicles have been recovered, how many arrests have been made, and how many crimes have been solved with the assistance of these cameras.
If we are spending taxpayer dollars on this technology, the public deserves to see the results.
I also believe there must be safeguards to protect innocent citizens. We need reasonable limits on how long information is stored, strict rules about who can access it, independent audits, and consequences for anyone who misuses that information.
Residents deserve to know whether their information is being shared with outside agencies and what protections are in place.
I support law enforcement, but I also support our constitutional rights. Those two things should never be in conflict.
We can use technology to fight crime without turning our communities into places where innocent people feel they are constantly being watched.
Public safety, personal freedom, and government accountability should always go hand in hand.
Should the Illinois General Assembly adopt new rules for dealing with sexual harassment complaints against elected House and Senate members by staffers? How can the current system be enforced? What are your ideas for improving the ILGA's sexual harassment policies?
Absolutely. No elected official should ever be above the law, and no employee should be afraid to speak up because of someone's political position, power, or connections.
This issue is personal to me. I have spent years fighting for victims and their families, standing up against powerful institutions that failed to protect the very people who trusted them.
I know firsthand what happens when institutions become more concerned about protecting their reputations than protecting innocent people. I have seen the emotional damage, the fear, and the years it can take for victims to finally be heard.
That is something I will never forget.
I believe complaints against elected officials should be investigated independently, without political interference. The people investigating these complaints should not answer to the same political leadership they may be investigating.
Employees need a safe and confidential way to report harassment, protection from retaliation, and a fair investigation that does not drag on for months or years.
There must be clear deadlines, mandatory training, real consequences for misconduct, and transparency about how complaints are handled while protecting victims' identities.
This should not be a Republican or Democrat issue. The same rules should apply to everyone, regardless of their title, political party, or connections.
I have always believed that protecting victims matters more than protecting powerful people.
If we expect the people of Illinois to follow the law, then those elected to represent them should be held to the same standard, if not a higher one.
Accountability should never depend on who you know or what political office you hold.
Should the state of Illinois impose a moratorium on the building of data centers? Why or why not?
No. I do not support stopping all data center construction. I support responsible development, but not at the expense of Illinois taxpayers, our environment, or the families who already live here.
Technology is moving forward, and Illinois should be a place where businesses want to invest, create jobs, and grow. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of economic development. But I also believe there needs to be common sense and accountability.
These data centers can use enormous amounts of electricity and water. My question is simple. Who is going to pay for that? Are hardworking families going to see their electric bills increase because a private company needs more power? Are our communities going to be left paying for infrastructure improvements? And what happens to our water supply and environment?
Before any project is approved, I want to know exactly how much electricity and water it will require, what improvements are needed, who is paying for them, and how many permanent jobs will actually be created.
I believe developers should be responsible for the additional infrastructure costs their projects create. Those costs should not be passed along to homeowners, seniors, or small businesses already struggling to pay their bills.
We also need independent environmental impact assessments. Protecting our water, air quality, natural resources, and surrounding neighborhoods must be part of the approval process, not an afterthought.
Local residents and elected officials deserve a voice. Decisions affecting our communities should not be made behind closed doors in Springfield without meaningful local input.
I also want transparency when it comes to tax incentives. If a company is asking for financial assistance, taxpayers deserve to know what they are getting in return. Promises of jobs and economic growth need to be backed up by measurable results.
I welcome businesses that want to invest in Illinois. I welcome innovation and technology. But I do not welcome taxpayer-funded giveaways that leave our families paying the bills or our communities dealing with environmental damage.
We should be able to grow our economy without sacrificing our environment, our natural resources, or the financial security of Illinois families.
Economic development should benefit the people of Illinois, not come at their expense.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want voters to know that I am one of them.
I was born at 89th and Bishop, raised my two daughters in the 19th Ward, and have spent more than 30 years living, working, and volunteering in this community.
I am a mother, teacher, small business owner, real estate broker, Girl Scout leader, and youth sports coach. I have spent my life helping others, often without recognition or compensation.
I helped establish Back the Blue when our police officers were under attack. I stood up for children and families when powerful institutions failed them. I have learned that doing the right thing is not always popular, but it is always worth doing.
I believe in faith, family, freedom, safe neighborhoods, parental rights, school choice, legal immigration, and fiscal responsibility.
I believe American citizens deserve to be a priority in the decisions made by their government. I believe parents, not politicians, should have the primary voice in raising their children.
I believe criminals should be held accountable, our police officers should be supported, and seniors should not be taxed out of their homes.
Most importantly, I believe elected officials work for the people, not the other way around.
For 23 years, District 18 has been represented by the same political party. This election gives voters an opportunity to choose a different direction.
I am not running because I need a job. I am running because I believe our state needs people who have the courage to stand up, speak out, and do what is right.
I have faced challenges in my own life that have taught me perseverance, compassion, and the importance of never giving up.
I trust God, I believe in the people of this district, and I know that together we can make a difference.
I may be outfunded, but I will never be outworked.
It's time to put McGovern in YOUR Government!
Together WE Win.
I am open to a debate also.
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