Third Republican announces run for Illinois Senate seat

(25News Now) - A former Livingston County Board member is announcing his intention to run for the Illinois Senate in the 53rd District, which covers many communities in the area.

Mike Kirkton is the third Republican to formally enter the race to replace Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), who announced his retirement in late July.

Last month, two other candidates announced their intentions.

Grundy County Board Chair Chris Balkema described himself as a “conservative and stalwart of the Republican Party” who fought against unconstitutional gun regulations and COVID-19 executive orders.

Also seeking the Republican nomination for the job is Washington Mayor Gary Manier, who confirmed his candidacy on Sept. 20.

The 53rd District includes all or part of several area counties including Tazewell, Peoria, Woodford, McLean, Livingston, Putnam, Bureau, Marshall and LaSalle Counties.

Kirkton ran in 2022 for the Illinois House, losing the Republican nomination to eventual State Rep. Dennis Tipsword in the 105th District seat.

“I want to be a strong, common-sense, conservative voice for the people of the 53rd Senate District,” Kirkton said in a news release.

“I will work to protect the rights of the unborn, as well as being a strong voice defending our Second Amendment rights. I am committed to helping fight for lower taxes, smaller government and helping to provide the necessary tools for our small businesses to grow without government interference,” Kirkton also said.

In his news release, Kirkton said he served in the U.S. Army for more than 26-years, including during the Gulf War. Kirkton is president and chief executive officer of Top View Farms in Livingston County.

The primary is March 19, 2024.