The Ballot Brief
Illinois
Candidate profile
Chris Balkema

Chris Balkema

Republican · Illinois · 2026 · Incumbent

On the ballot

Illinois Senate District 53Illinois · 2026Tazewell County sample ballot

Top priorities

  • Address illegal immigration and declared Grundy County a non-sanctuary county
  • Protect the unborn at all stages
  • Pursue new funding mechanisms to relieve property tax burdens, citing four consecutive years of reduced Grundy County property taxes

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Balkema spent 30 years in the private sector at Caterpillar and served 13 years on the Grundy County Board, including six years as chairman, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

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Voting info and more

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How we source this

Profile facts follow official election office filings and the sources cited in each biography. Roster last verified September 29, 2026. Official sources are the final word on who appears on your ballot.

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