Dupage Policy Journal

With 53 percent and by a margin of 3,200 votes, 28-year-old Republican Republican appointee David Olsen was elected on Tuesday to the District 81 state House seat, the DuPage County Election Commission said.

Olsen’s win came after he was appointed to the ballot to replace state Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove), who was forced to resign from the General Assembly and halt his re-election campaign after a controversial video of him emerged on social media. Although Sandack said he was framed, the damage was irreversible and led to Olsen’s July 30 selection and subsequent swearing-in on Aug. 3.

As education headlined his campaign platform, Olsen remarked on the symbolism of his induction taking place at his own high school and said he was honored to serve the people of the 81st District.

“It’s particularly appropriate that I am sworn in at my own former high school — which provided the foundation for my successes and public service,” Olsen said earlier this year. “Education is the foundation of opportunity for all Illinoisans, and I intend to fight for local control and full funding for our vitally important schools.”

With a relatively short campaign run, Olsen nevertheless managed to address additional issues that he felt were vital to Illinois’ success, including business initiatives. Last month, he spoke at a legislative forum on nursing in support of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plan to cut red tape and streamline business procedures.

“Burdensome and unnecessary regulations, policies and licensing requirements disproportionately impact small businesses, particularly minority-owned businesses,” Olsen said.

Olsen's Democratic opponent, Greg Hosé, offered congratulations to Olsen, with whom he previously worked as a colleague on the Downers Grove Village Council, acknowledging that it was an intensive contest.

"It was a long and tough campaign," Hosé said. "We worked incredibly hard."