By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
The race for the 52nd District Illinois House seat is a rematch between incumbent Republican state Rep. Marty McLaughlin and Democratic challenger Maria Peterson.
McLaughlin, of Barrington Hills, beat Peterson, of North Barrington, by less than 50 votes in 2024 to hold onto his seat in the General Assembly.
The two differ on a number of issues, including school choice, the elimination of cash bail and Chicago Bears stadium proposals.
At a recent League of Women Voters forum, the candidates were asked about a new federal tax credit program for donations to organizations that award private school scholarships, created by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in 2025. Illinois has to decide whether to participate.
McLaughlin, a former village president of Barrington Hills, said “choice in all things is good, particularly education.”
He said proficiency in math and reading has dropped, while education costs have escalated and criticized state Democrats for not renewing the Invest in Kids program, which awarded tax credits for donations that funded private school scholarships.
The two also disagree over the state’s elimination of cash bail.
McLaughlin said it has created significant problems with repeat offending and public confidence in the criminal justice system.
“In the 52nd District, we have experienced concerns involving robberies, residential and commercial burglaries, vehicle thefts, car break-ins and smash-and-grab incidents,” he wrote in reply to a Daily Herald questionnaire.
The full report can be found here.
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