Incumbent Democrat Kathleen Willis of Addison is not especially known for her public outreach, and she did not respond to our questionnaire.
But she has worked, with some success, on important legislation to address gun violence. Last year, she sponsored a bill, which is still pending, to overhaul the Firearm Owner’s Identification Act and impose higher fees for renewals and applications. She was instrumental, as well, in the passage of a law that allows law enforcement to temporarily take guns from people who are a danger to themselves or others.
Willis, who served on the Addison Elementary District 4 school board before being elected to the House in 2012, has remained an advocate for children. And she has worked to protect union rights, fairer wages and workers’ compensation. She is endorsed.
Also running is Republican Anthony Airdo of Melrose Park, who is making his third effort to unseat Willis, who won almost 70% of the vote in 2018.
Illinois House 77th District map
Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
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