Max Solomon, Illinois Senate 19th District

Candidate questionnaire to help you weigh your choices in the March 19, 2024 Illinois primary.

By Politics and Government Team

Max Solomon Profile

About Max Solomon

Party: Republican
Elected office: Illinois Senate
District: 19
Incumbent: No
Opponent: Hillary Mattsey Kurzawa, Samantha Jean Gasca
Age: 52
Hometown: Hazel Crest
Work: Attorney
Previous political experience: Former Candidate for Governor
Education: J.D., M.Th.
Campaign website: N/A
Twitter: @MmaxSolomon
Facebook: Max Solomon

In January 2024, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ editors emailed a questionnaire to candidates in contested March 19 primary races for the Illinois General Assembly, requesting biographical information as well as their views on issues ranging from corruption in state politics to Illinois’ longstanding pension crisis. Answers have been lightly edited for typos, minor grammar and consistency in styling, but not for content or length. Age was calculated as of Feb. 6, 2024.

Voter Guide 2024

The news and information you need to know to make your choices in the Illinois primary. Early voting has begun, and election day is March 19.

Candidate questionnaires

Candidates in contested Illinois March 19 primary races share their views on a range of issues through the Sun-Times/WBEZ candidate questionnaire.

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How to vote in the March 19 primary

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By Tony Arnold | WBEZ

Candidate Question: Tackling corruption

Tackling corruption

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan faces trial on bribery and conspiracy charges, only the latest in a long line of state officials to be accused of corruption. Many attempts have been made over the years to implement ethics reform, and yet little has changed in Springfield when it comes to combating abuse of power. What should Illinois’ blueprint be for tackling corruption?

Max Solomon: Deterrence through prosecution of corruption crimes.

Candidate Question: State pension crisis

State pension crisis

Illinois’ unfunded pension liability stood at $142 billion as of mid-2023, far larger than the state’s operations budget of $50 billion. The state’s age-old pension crisis hampers job growth, turns away prospective new employers, and derails Illinois’ long-term economic stability. In your opinion, what tack should Illinois take to solve its state pension crisis?

Max Solomon: Constitutional Pension Reform

Candidate question: Job growth

Job growth

Please explain what you would do to bolster job growth in both the state and in your district, and be specific with your answer.

Max Solomon: Initiate, sponsor, support, and vote for tax relief measures.

Candidate Question: Redistricting

Redistricting

Would you be in favor of a referendum that asks voters to endorse an amendment to the Illinois constitution that reforms the remap process in this state by creating an independent citizens body to supervise decennial redistricting? Please explain your answer.

Max Solomon: Yes, I am in favor of Independent Map Redistricting and Independent Redistricting Commissions.

Candidate question: Solving local problems