Illinois State Senate District 35

Current seat holder: Dave Syverson.

Sarah Mertens

Sarah Mertens Sarah Mertens earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2011. Her career experience includes working as an educator.

Campaign site

“Our rights are precious, and I am passionate about protecting them. I want strong workplace protections, strong collective bargaining protections, and individuals to be able to make their own healthcare choices for issues that pertain only to them (ie reproductive healthcare).” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))
“Illinois is one the the highest-taxed states in our nation, but in the bottom half of providing services to its residents. Part of this disparity is due to cuts that Illinois receives in federal funding, but there's more that can be done within Illinois to ensure our tax dollars are spent responsibly.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))
“I am a licensed educator in McHenry County. I believe that in order to build a strong community in Illinois, basic needs must be met.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))

Dave Syverson

Dave Syverson is the incumbent Republican member of the Illinois State Senate representing District 35, having assumed office in 1993, and is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Dave Syverson was born June 29, 1957, and graduated from Guilford High School before earning a degree from Rock Valley College. He has been a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Rockford Area Economic Council, and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness.

· Official legislative page

Campaign site

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