Illinois State Senate Candidate Jeremy Walker talks about balancing a busy schedule with new father responsibilities.

RED BUD, IL – Trying to adjust to life as a first-time father is demanding, but imagine being in the middle of a highly competitive senate campaign at the same. First-time State Senate candidate Jeremy Walker is experiencing that first-hand in his bid office against fifteen-year incumbent Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) this year.

About two weeks ago, on August 9, Walker and his wife, Jennie, had their first child, Grayson Glenn Walker. With a campaign schedule already filled with events such as local parades, county fairs and festivals, Jeremy was more than happy to welcome the newest member of “Team Walker” to the campaign. Walker said the birth of his son adds even more meaning to his campaign message.

“Jennie and I could not be more excited to become first-time parents,” Walker said. “Now that I’m a father, the importance of ensuring the future for families in Southern Illinois is put into a whole new perspective. Now more than ever, we need someone who will fight for solutions so the hard-working people here can provide for their children.”

Just five days after his first son’s birth, Walker was back on the campaign trail walking in the Marissa and Evansville parades. The following weekend, the first-time candidate took part in the Columbia Daze parade as well as the Ellis Grove car show. Walker, also the Randolph County Public Defender and partner in his Randolph County law firm, says although he remains busy, he will continue to be actively involved in local events and hopes to gather even more support before Election Day on November 2.

“Balancing my responsibilities of being a father for the first time and campaigning throughout the district has been a challenge, but we’ve managed to get it done,” Walker noted. “Southern Illinois needs a new face of leadership who will actively fight for solutions in Springfield. People are growing tired of politicians finding blame rather than answers.”

Jeremy Walker is a first-time candidate running for the State Senate in the 58th District against fifteen-year incumbent Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville). Jeremy grew up on his family’s farm in rural Illinois which ingrained in him the hard-work ethic he displays today. After graduating from Red Bud High School, Jeremy attended Belleville Area College (now SWIC) where he received his associate’s degree. Jeremy later attended SIU-C and received his bachelor’s degree in political science and minored in agribusiness before receiving his law degree from SIU-C as well. Jeremy lives in Red Bud with his wife, Jennie, and their newborn, Grayson Glenn.