Statement from John Harrell Candidate for the 8^th Illinois House District in the March 17, 2026 Democratic Primary election

Voters in the 8^th District face many challenges and issues that need to be addressed and that are at stake in this election.

One of the most important is curtailing rising property taxes. They need to be frozen, reviewed and reversed. They are just too high, not just for the poor but for the Middle Class, too.

Another issue is ensuring that the people of the 8^th District have affordable housing. I have spent my career ensuring that people have affordable places to live, and as you know, recently opened a new affordable housing building in Proviso Township.

But there are other issues that must be addressed, including ensuring that residents receive adequate and affordable healthcare services, including full Medicare and Medicaid services.

Pastor John Harrell, candidate for the 8th Illinois State House seat vacated by LaShawn Ford in the March 2026 election — Pastor John Harrell, candidate for the 8th Illinois State House seat

We need to expand, not cut back, our services to seniors, families, and our youth. We need to make them the foundations of government services.

The economy we face is difficult. Our fight is to ensure that the money taken from us in taxes is returned to us in essential services that address our needs; returned not just partially but fully.

And, we have issues in the region that include flooding that destroys everything we own. I have rolled up my sleeves and worked to bring relief to families in flood-prone areas.

Finally, I also want to speak out about the intervention of outsiders in our region.

The 8^th District is an area of hardworking families. It is the West Side, city and suburbs.

Many of the issues facing West Siders are far different from the issues facing South Siders and North Siders.

Lately, we have seen South Siders come into the West Side to try to influence our elections. The people of the 8^th District should be the only people who make the decisions about what is best for the 8^th District.

People should focus on improving their areas, not interfering in other regions or in our district. They need to support what we need and listen to us, not tell us what we should have or do.

I am an authentic West Sider … having worked my life in the West Side, I know what West Siders need to strengthen their homes, families, and to fight for our rights and a stronger economy.

That’s why I am asking for your vote, to ensure we strengthen our communities in the 8^th District and get our share of the pie to cover our needs, our challenges, and our interests for seniors, families, and the youth.

For more information visit www.harrellforillinois.com

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