Politics & Government

Dennis Reboletti Is Running For Kirk Dillard's 24th District Senate Seat

Dillard, who is running for governor, and myriad other Republican leaders came out to support Reboletti during his announcement in Elmhurst Wednesday.

The guest list read like a who's who of the Republican Party in DuPage County and beyond. 

State Sens. Kirk Dillard and Michael Connelly, Reps. Jim Durkin, Patti Bellock and Ron Sandack, DuPage State's Attorney Robert Berlin, former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh, along with DuPage County and Forest District board members, Addison and York township leaders and others turned up in Elmhurst Wednesday to show their support for Illinois Senate candidate Dennis Reboletti.

Reboletti, 44, a life-long Elmhurst resident, is currently the state Representative in the 45th House District. On Wednesday, at the Diplomat West Banquet Hall, he officially launched his campaign for Illinois' 24th District Senate seat, which is currently held by Kirk Dillard. Dillard is running for governor, with Rep. Jil Tracy (R-94th) as his runningmate.

Reboletti said it is "humbling" to have such support.

"I know these folks wouldn't stand here with me unless I measured up to what the people of this county and district expect," he said. 

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said he has worked closely with Reboletti on legislation related to law enforcement.

"Dennis is a fierce supporter of law enforcement in this county," Berlin said. "When we need something done in Springfield, we go to Dennis, Kirk Dillard, Mike Connelly—people who can go down there and get things done. The reality is, you've got to be able to work with the other side, and Dennis is able to do that."

Durkin pointed to Reboletti's background as a prosecutor in Will County.

"Dennis has been such a leader in criminal justice, public safety issues," Durkin said. "It's going to be our loss (in the House) but the Senate's gain in this next election cycle. You've proven yourself."

Reboletti is floor leader in the Illinois House, Dillard said. 

"That puts him in the center of action on virtually every piece of legislation in Springfield," he said. "He is the criminal law leader. Dennis protects Illinois families every day. Dennis is tested and proven. He's a respected, known figure in Springield that knows how to serve his constituents on a daily basis."

He said Reboletti already has the skills to "move right in" to the Senate seat.

"There won't be any training wheels needed for him," Dillard said.

Reboletti said the future of Illinois depends on a change in leadership.

"I have taken on Speaker (Michael) Madigan head to head, and the Democratic Party head to head," he said. "I will continue that leadership in the Senate. I look forward to working with Gov. Dillard and Lt. Gov. Tracy."

Reboletti, a 1986 graduate of York High School, earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University and his law degree from Valparaiso University. He has served as deputy Addison Township assessor, Elmhurst 2nd Ward alderman and Addison Township trustee. He has been a state representative since 2007.


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