Chris Balkema
Chris Balkema | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 53rd district | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas M. Bennett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1970 or 1971 (age 53–54) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Channahon, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Taylor University (BS) Bradley University (MBA) |
| Website | Official website |
Chris Balkema is an American politician and member of the Illinois Senate from the 53rd district. The 53rd district includes all or portions of Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will, and Woodford counties in central Illinois.[1] Balkema was sworn into office on January 8, 2025.
Early life and education
[edit]He has a has a B.S. in business systems from Taylor University. He has since held advisory positions on the Taylor University Business Council. He later earned a M.B.A. from Bradley University.[2] He was hired by Caterpillar in 1993 and has worked there ever since.[2][3]
Early political career
[edit]In 2009, he was elected to the board of Minooka Community High School District 111.[4] In the 2010 general election, he was elected as part of a slate in District 2 that defeated two Democratic incumbents.[5] After David Welter's appointment to the Illinois House of Representatives, Balkema moved from Vice Chair of the Grundy County Board to Chairman.[6] He served as Grundy County Board Chairman 2016 until his election to the Illinois Senate. While chairman, he has served on the Grundy County Economic Development Council.[2]
Congressional campaigns
[edit]After the 2011 decennial reapportionment, Balkema explored a candidacy for the open seat in Illinois's 11th congressional district for the 2012 election.[3] He ultimately decided against running for Congress and instead ran for reelection to the county board.[7] Two years later, Balkema ran in the Republican primary for the 11th district.[8] He was defeated in by State Representative Darlene Senger by a narrow margin of three points.[9]
Illinois Senate
[edit]In 2023, Republican appointed incumbent Tom Bennett announced he would not run in the 2024 special election to fill the remainder Jason Barickman's term. Balkema ran for the Republican nomination for the seat alongside Susan Wynn Bence, Bennett's chief of staff, Mike Kirkton, a member of the Livingston County Board, and Jesse Faber.[10] Balekma won the Republican primary and was unopposed in the general election. In the 104th General Assembly, Balkema is the minority spokesperson for the Appropriations - Education committee. He is also assigned to the other following committees: Agriculture; Behavioral and Mental Health; Education; Labor; Pensions; and Revenue.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Maps of Districts of the Illinois Senate (2023-2033)". Illinois State Board of Elections. July 16, 2022. p. 53. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c Barlow, Sarah E. (ed.). "Biographies of New Senate Members" (PDF). First Reading. 38 (2): 6. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Schelkopf, Eric (August 20, 2011). "Balkema launches exploratory bid for 11th District seat". Kane County Chronicle – via NewsBank.
- ^ Stadalsky, Kris (May 9, 2009). "New school board members positive". The Herald-News. p. A3 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Chapman, Christina (January 2, 2011). "Local election brings changes to County Board". Morris Herald-News. Morris, Illinois – via NewsBank.
- ^ Ritz, Justin (July 14, 2016). "David Welter Officially Resigns as Grundy County Board Chairman". WSPY News. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ Chapman, Christina (January 6, 2012). "Balkema opts against running for 11th District seat". Morris Daily Herald. Archived from the original on January 10, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
- ^ Riopell, Mike (September 11, 2013). "Balkema enters Republican primary race for Congress". Daily Herald. Arlington Heights, Illinois. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- ^ "Official Illinois State Board of Elections Results" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 21, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ Dedo, Eric (September 13, 2023). "Grundy County Board chair to run for Illinois Senate in district that includes Bloomington-Normal". NPR Illinois. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
- ^ "Senator Chris Balkema (R) 53rd District". Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
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