Dupage Policy Journal

Hannah Billingsley, the Republican nominee for the Illinois House District 49 seat, took time on Easter to contemplate her aspirations for the future and for the youth in Illinois. Billingsley is set to compete against incumbent Democrat Maura Hirschauer in the general election.

"This Easter, as we celebrate resurrection and new beginnings, I was reminded of the preciousness of the dreams we hold for the next generation," said Billingsley, Candiate, according to Facebook. "With my goddaughter Ophelia, I feel the challenge to create a life that's more beautiful and sustainable than the generation I grew up in. My prayer for her is that she falls in love and knows the love of her Risen King. And that that love compels her to chase her dreams and make her world beautiful and better."

In a Facebook post, Billingsley expressed her commitment: "My commitment is to ensure that the same hope and possibility that Easter symbolizes are reflected in our policies and actions. Together, let’s build a world where the dreams of every child are nurtured with the same love that we give to the children in our own lives."

Screenshot of Vote Hannah for Illinois March 31 Facebook post | Vote Hannah for Illinois Facebook page

According to Billingsley, as an elected official, her vision is "to create a community where individuals have the necessary margin and space in their lives to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential." Her campaign emphasizes several areas: public safety, tax reduction; combating the opioid crisis; choice in education and strengthening public schools; honoring veterans; Second Amendment rights and gun safety; and addressing the migrant crisis.

On public safety, which she terms as the "bedrock" for communal dreams, Billingsley advocates for robust, accountable policing, holding criminals accountable, and working within communities as peace builders. She supports lower taxes and repealing regressive taxes that target lower-income and working individuals. In terms of education, Billingsley backs school choice and policies that promote both excellence and accountability in public schools.

To address the migrant crisis, she states her "dual priority is to vociferously address the urgent need for federal intervention in enforcing border security and to demand state and federal resources and support for communities grappling with the responsibility of accommodating migrants." On Second Amendment rights and gun ownership, she aims to foster responsible ownership balancing freedoms, safety of loved ones, and individual accountability.

Billingsley is a business owner based in West Chicago with experience in teaching. She owns a niche clothing company as well as nine short-term rental units which have an 82% occupancy rate, according to her biography on her campaign website. Her political experience includes an elected position as a zoning commissioner, and in 2021, she worked on the Jesse Sullivan campaign as Voter Engagement Coordinator in District 49.