Journal & Topics Media Group

3 In Running For 53rd Illinois House District Seat


Three candidates — two Democrats and one Republican — have announced runs to replace State Rep. David Harris (R-53rd) who, earlier this month, said he would not seek reelection.

Mark Walker

Katie Miller

T Aaron DeGeorge

Harris voted “yes” on a Democratic state budget bill and voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of that budget bill. Harris said part of the reason he decided not to run for reelection was because his possible Republican primary challenger is backed by conservative radio host Dan Proft, who runs the Liberty Principles political action committee.

That Republican challenger is Katie Miller. Miller said she chose to run after Harris’ budget votes, and confirmed she has the backing of Proft’s organization.

Miller is a conservative resident of Mount Prospect, a religious education teacher, Cub Scout leader and mother of three who has worked as a registered nurse for the last 17 years.

Part of her political experience comes from her father, Niles Township Republican Committeeman Joe Hedrick.

Miller said her top issue is holding down taxes: “Between property taxes, income taxes and sales taxes, it’s too much.”

She also said she is pro life, does not feel there needs to be more legislation regulating guns, favors term limits and reducing the number of taxing districts in the state.

Two Democrats have also announced they are running for the 53rd — one who has been here before.

Mark Walker is Wheeling Township Democratic committeeman and former representative of the 66th State House District, which included much of the current 53rd before redistricting after the 2010 U.S. Census.

Walker describes himself, like Harris, as politically moderate. Walker said he would not be beholden to House Speaker Michael Madigan, a favorite target of the right.

Walker said many approached him about running.

One who was surprised about Walker’s recent announcement to run was the other Democratic candidate, T. Aaron DeGeorge, 23, of Arlington Heights.

DeGeorge describes Walker was a personal mentor who was “grooming” him to run for office. He said Walker’s candidacy took him by surprise.

Walker said DeGeorge briefly volunteered for the Wheeling Township Democratic Organization. “We probably spent five half-days together,” Walker said.

The day before Walker announced his candidacy earlier this month, Walker said he saw DeGeorge for the first time in three weeks. At that time, Walker said he told DeGeorge he would likely run, and encouraged DeGeorge to mount a candidacy of his own.   

DeGeorge describes himself as an activist and freelance journalist. He said he spent two months chronicling the life of a homeless veteran in Rockford for a four-part series in a Rockford newspaper. DeGeorge also worked for Greenpeace and said he is working full time on his campaign.

Access to mental health care service is one of his top issues. Helping immigrants is also a top issue for DeGeorge. He recently led a protest at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library after a “Know Your Rights” event for immigrants was canceled.

Support local news by subscribing to the Journal & Topics in print or online.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.