Dupage Policy Journal

Just days after making her announcement to run against U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) in the 6th Congressional District, Jeanne Ives is already basking in the glow of being a known commodity.

“I think people are excited about my campaign because they know what I did as a state representative,” Ives, who served in the 42nd district for six-years, told the DuPage Policy Journal. “I have a history of rejecting more taxes and giving people more control of their own lives, and they know they’re going to get the same thing now. They know I’m not wishy-washy and won’t cave to political interests.”

It’s all translated into a rousing start for Ives, who quickly had more than 100 volunteers sign up on her website and has seen donations pour in over the last several days.

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove)

“I’m real happy about the response,” said Ives, who narrowly lost out in her Republican primary run against then-Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018. “People are ready to reject the Democratic agenda and excited for someone that wants to solve problems and make sure America stays a free country and not one controlled by big government.”

In the early going, Ives has sought to separate her brand of politics from that of Casten, who she has blasted as using “hate to misdirect people’s attention away from his assaults on our freedoms and free-enterprise system.” Ives has vowed that her campaign will focus on issues such as security at the borders, support for the military and pocketbook matters.

Before Casten, Ives, a West Point grad, is poised to take on Evelyn Sanguinetti, who served as Rauner’s lieutenant governor running mate in the 2018 GOP primary. The 6th Congressional District includes parts or all of Wheaton, Naperville, Westmont, Bartlett, Elgin, Barrington Hills and Palatine.