On the Ballot: State & Federal Officials
McDonough County voters will see some familiar names on the November ballot, alongside some newcomers who secured their party's nomination for seats in the Illinois statehouse and Congress.
Illinois Senate District #36
Newcomer Brad Beekman (R) of Bushnell beat out Patrick Harlan (R) in the March primary election to secure a spot on the ballot to challenge incumbent Mike Halpin (D) of Rock Island for the 36th District seat, which covers most of Rock Island County, parts of Mercer, Henry, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties.
Halpin was first elected as a state representative in the 72nd District from 2017-2023, and has represented the 36th district since January 2023. His foray into state politics started in 2002, when then-Congressperson Lane Evans hired Halpin as his district scheduler and personal aide. Halpin later earned his law degree and practices law at the Rock Island firm of McCarthy, Callas, & Feeney, P.C., where he is a partner. Halpin also serves on the Board of Directors for Bridging the Gap: Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, and provides free consultations, and some pro bono representation, for veterans in need.
Halpin's website points out the issues that he supports, including helping working families through tax relief initiatives; public safety, which includes legislation he pushed that included increased funding for law enforcement and also for more services and protection for victims of domestic violence; improving veterans services; job creation; fiscal management; environmental policies; women's health, and overall healthcare initiatives for the people of Illinois.
Beekman is a retired Illinois State Police officer, and according to his campaign site, is running to be "a voice for law enforcement, support rural communities and restore real accountability in Springfield. Brad believes in a more prosperous, vibrant, and healthy Illinois.
Our education system, tax burden, and crumbling infrastructure all point to one undeniable truth: our government no longer works for the people." During Beekman's career in the ISP, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and was selected to serve as a Detail Leader for the Governor’s security team.
Illinois House of Representatives District #71
Lt. Col. (retired) Dan M. Swanson is running for re-election on the Republic ballot against newcomer Kermit Thomas for the 71st House of Representatives district, which spans portions of Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, Knox, and McDonough counties.
Swanson, who was first elected to the Illinois House in 2016, graduated from Western. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard on August 11, 1977 as a 63B Generator and Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. After 20 years of active duty and three years as a guardsman, he retired in January 2001.
According to his website, he has served as the superintendent of the Henry County Veterans Assistance Commission. He served over 17 years on the AlWood (Alpha and Woodhull) Board of Education and two years on the Henry County Board.
Swanson is also involved with the sixth generation Swanson family farm near Andover.
According to Swanson's district website, he is chair of the House Veterans' Affair Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture & Conservation, Appropriated Higher Education, Education Policy, Higher Education and State Government Administration committees. His campaign site states he is "a conservative champion proudly serving District 71." He is "a lifelong Republican, who is pro-life and pro-family, staunch defender of the Second Amendment, opposes tax increases and unfunded mandates, supports term limits, advocates for veterans and first responders and fights for the agriculture community."
According to Thomas' campaign site, he is "known as the Downstate Defender, who is running to bring accountability and a servant’s heart to Springfield.
He’s ready to fight for the hardworking families of our district and ensure that our community remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."
The Quad Cities native is a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division. His website states, "his commitment to our country led him to Prairie View A&M University where he graduated as a distinguished ROTC military graduate with a degree in Business Marketing. For twenty-seven years, Kermit served as an Army Logistics Officer, a role that required precision, integrity, and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure."
In 2016, he retired as a field grade officer at the Rock Island Arsenal, and worked for John Deere, served as a substitute teacher, and was the owner of Timrek3 Productions. He is a preacher for the Central Church of Christ and the First Vice President of the Rock Island County NAACP.
Thomas is running "to be a champion for youth and education and mental health and wellness and as an advocate for the vulnerable."
