Kate McGrath Announces Run for Illinois State Senate in 29th District

Kate McGrath, a self-employed mom, New Trier alum, and community leader, today announced her candidacy for the Illinois State Senate in the 29th District. A lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area and local insurance agent serving families and businesses across Illinois, McGrath is running to fight the growing cost of living and bring fiscal responsibility back to Springfield.

“Our state’s priorities are upside down and Illinois is at a breaking point,” said McGrath. “Families are being squeezed by rising taxes, higher prices, and job-killing policies that are driving opportunity out of our state. I’m running to be a voice for the people who feel like no one in Springfield is listening.”

McGrath built a successful career in sales and marketing, including 15 years managing distribution for the American Heart Association. She has now joined the insurance industry, where she works directly with small businesses and individuals across Illinois. Every day she sees the toll high taxes and mounting costs are taking on lower- and middle-income families as well as job-creators.

This spring, McGrath says the contrast between her and the incumbent could not have been clearer. State Senator Julie Morrison skipped the vote on a controversial $1.50-per-package delivery tax, on everything from amazon orders to pizzas, at a time when Illinois families and small businesses are already struggling to keep up.

“Senator Morrison had a chance to stand up for taxpayers and instead she sat it out,” said McGrath. “I won’t sit on the sidelines while Springfield politicians raise taxes and make life harder for the people who are trying to stay and make a living here. Enough is enough.”

In addition to her professional experience, McGrath has spent more than 15 years coaching youth volleyball and currently coaches both girls and boys at Loyola Academy in Wilmette. She is the proud mom of two college-aged children, both graduates of Loyola Academy.

McGrath’s campaign will focus on lowering taxes, protecting working families, supporting small businesses, and restoring accountability in state government.

“Illinois is worth fighting for,” McGrath said. “I’m not ready to give up—and I know there are thousands of people across our district who feel the same way. It’s time for new leadership that will actually fight for us.”