Senator Chris Balkema Announces Re-Election Campaign for Illinois’ 53rd District
State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) today announced he is running for re-election to the Illinois State Senate, reaffirming his commitment to fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and fighting for working families across the 53rd Senate District.
Since taking office in January 2025, Senator Balkema has pushed back against the policies driving up costs for Illinois families. He has championed legislation to cap property tax hikes, opposed the $1.50 delivery tax on online purchases, and voted against Governor Pritzker’s $55 billion budget that expands state bureaucracy without delivering real relief.
“Families across Illinois are doing everything right, working hard, budgeting carefully, raising their kids, but they’re still falling behind because of rising taxes and reckless government spending,” Balkema said. “We need a government that lives within its means, stops punishing the middle class, and delivers real solutions that help people get ahead.”
Balkema believes the path forward starts with fiscal discipline, less red tape, and policies that support private-sector job growth instead of growing government.
Balkema’s approach to public service is shaped by over a decade of local leadership. First elected to the Grundy County Board in 2010, he became Chairman in 2016. Under his leadership, the county lowered its property tax levy four years in a row, implemented a five-year plan to eliminate all county debt, and fostered a strong internal culture of goal-setting and accountability.
In addition to his public service, Balkema brings more than 30 years of private-sector experience at Caterpillar, where he has held leadership roles in Human Resources, Operations, Logistics, and Purchasing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Systems from Taylor University and an MBA from Bradley University.
He and his wife of 26 years live in Channahon and have two sons in college.
“Illinois is at a crossroads,” Balkema said. “We can keep letting Springfield spend more and expect less, or we can fight for a state that respects your paycheck, supports safe and thriving communities, and creates opportunities for the next generation. I choose to fight.”
For more information, visit https://chrisbalkema.com.