Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills
The 26th Legislative District Committee for the Republican Party is scheduled to meet Friday at 1 PM to vote on filling the vacancy in the State Senate due to the resignation of Dan McConchie, which was effective February 2, 2025.
The committee did appointed a candidate in mid-February, however their appointment had to be put “on hold” due to legal and other matters. At the same time, several issues regarding that candidate surfaced on social media and caused many to pause and reconsider that candidate’s fitness for office.
Before the committee makes their decision, we thought it important for them and our readers to reflect on why State Representative Martin McLaughlin deserves renewed consideration for the seat. The following are just a few of the endorsements from the dozens that we had to choose from that support our case:
Endorsement: McLaughlin in Republican primary for Duffy’s state senate seat (February 17, 2016)
When state Sen. Dan Duffy decided he would retire from the Illinois legislature in 2017, it opened a door for suburban Republicans eager to try their mettle in Springfield.
Three candidates are running for the Republican primary in the 26th state Senate District, 253 square miles that reach from Waukegan, Libertyville and Buffalo Grove on the east to Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Carpentersville and Hoffman Estates on the west and southwest.
Of the three, our choice is Barrington Hills Village President Martin McLaughlin.
Read the full Daily Herald endorsement article here.
Endorsement: McLaughlin for state House Dist. 52 (September 17, 2020)
Martin McLaughlin, left, and Marci Suelzer
The voters in the 52nd Illinois House District have been spoiled by the representation of David McSweeney.
To all those who say individual state representatives are powerless in a General Assembly controlled by legislative leaders, we say look at the performance of the Barrington Hills Republican.
For eight years, McSweeney has served with unmatched energy and tireless efforts at building relationships on both sides of the aisle. and by keenly picking his spots, he’s been uniquely successful at getting things done.
McSweeney will be a tough act to follow, but the voters have two good options to do so — Barrington Hills Village President Martin McLaughlin and Democrat Marci Suelzer of Island Lake, who brings a well-rounded background in legal affairs and mental health.
We recommend McLaughlin, the Republican.
Read the full Daily Herald Editorial Board endorsement here.
Endorsement: McLaughlin for Illinois House Dist. 52 representative (October 14, 2022)
Martin McLaughlin, left, and Mary Morgan are candidates for the 52nd Dist. state House seat in the 2022 general election.
Republican Martin McLaughlin brought eight successful years of experience as Barrington Hills village president when he entered the Illinois House in 2021. Now, he’s seeking a second term in the newly drawn House Dist. 52 and his thoughtful, measured approach to state government makes him the right person for the job.
Dist. 52 stretches from near South Barrington north toward Ivanhoe and Volo with a slight westward dip into McHenry County.
With a background in investment management, McLaughlin is particularly well suited to help address the financial issues facing the state, and his tenure at the helm in Barrington Hills was marked by his success at providing needed services while keeping taxes low. He favors the traditional limited-government positions of his party, yet — on issues including education, crime, government spending and more — he remains thoughtful and independent in working out the details of legislation and examining problems facing the state.
McLaughlin is endorsed.
Read the full Daily Herald endorsement article here.
Endorsement: McLaughlin for Illinois House Dist. 52 (October 13, 2024)
Martin McLaughlin, left, and Maria Peterson
In two previous runs for Illinois House, we have consistently found former Barrington Hills Village President Martin McLaughlin a steadfast voice for controlled spending with an independent mentality that can help him work effectively in the Democratically controlled chamber. We see much of the same as he seeks his third term in the race for Illinois House Dist. 52.
In this campaign, we are particularly impressed with his detailed position on ethics reforms for lawmakers that remain to be addressed. He says lawmakers should lose their state insurance and pension plans if they are found guilty of a crime, and he wants stronger controls on what he calls “the special interest contributing class.” He also wants tighter rules regarding legislators who transition to lobbying, possibly including restricting them or their staffs from lobbying the same government entity they previously worked for.
We also appreciate his resolute stance on controlled government spending, especially as the state gets set to enter a period of complex challenges.
Read the full Daily Herald endorsement article here.
Martin McLaughlin deserves the committee’s vote to appoint him Friday. He has earned it.
Related: “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District”
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