Tom Lally here. I am running for the open Illinois 9^th District State Senator seat representing Republicans in several communities known as the North Shore, including Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Niles, Glenview. Northfield, and parts of Northbrook and Morton Grove. I grew up in North Evanston and Wilmette, attended elementary and high school in Wilmette, and played sports in most of the towns listed. I have deep roots in this area. My Grandfather opened West End Florist in 1908, and it is now a 4^th generation family-owned business. At a very early age I delivered flowers throughout the North Shore, sold Christmas trees and produce, and watered more flowers than I can count.  My Mother worked there on and off for many years, and if you are familiar with Sarkis Café on Gross Point Road, the Loretta Sandwich was named after her. She was the last living resident of Gross Point, IL.  Her Uncle owned the last farm in Wilmette, where the Wilmette Pool and Ice Rink now sit.

Why Am I Running?

I was approached by the Illinois District 9 Organization to represent the Republican Party in the Spring of 2026. I ran unopposed in the Primary and now move toward the November 3^rd Mid-Term Elections.

The overriding factor for my decision to run was a comment made by Democrat Patrick Hanley, also running for the same seat. His comment was so off handed and flippant, I felt I had to take a stand. Without blinking an eye Patrick referred to President Trump as a Fascist in such a way that I felt he was talking to
his neighbor over the fence, “Oh by the way, did you know that Trump is a Fascist?”

I am a history buff, and the word Fascist is directly tied to two infamous 20^th Century Dictators, Mussolini and Hitler, who together began a World War that resulted in 60 million deaths.

Fascism prioritizes a leader’s perceived interest and glory of a nation over the rights of the individual. Loyalty is placed above all. Freedom of Speech and the Press are eliminated. Antisemitism and racial purity are 2 tactics of Fascism.

Pretty hard to do this in our 2 Party system.

Why would anyone knowingly vote for that? The Dems pound their chest and yell a lot but the people who do the voting are like lemmings to the sea. They’ve been told how to vote for decades, and are afraid to think outside the box. That’s the Street version of Insanity.

My goal is to bring Common Sense back to Illinois politics. I want to do what is best for everyone,  and help  make Illinois a safe and affordable place to live. It can be done, but cronyism, fraud, and high taxes stand in the way.  Affordability is a new word to many of us …. it’s a politician’s word. What does it really mean? It means “I can’t afford it”.

But I am proud of a letter I received from President Trump after thanking him for working so hard to keep America afloat in these difficult  times. Just after July 4th, I received his reply from the White House. I have written many emails and letters over the years, to politicians, college coaches, school administrators and people in the news. I have received only one reply…from the President. But this is not about the Presidency, it’s about the State of Illinois.

To Democrats on the Fence:

Why keep drinking the Kool Aid when you know it’s bad for you, that it’s been robbing you blind? The outcomes will always be the same. Sticking to an unquestioning belief overrides objective logic. The days of relying on a political party to hold your hand, make a bankrupt state go further into debt and allow fraudsters to steal our money, are over. The leanings of the Democratic New Left toward Socialism and Communism (all services free of course) may lead to Fascism by the next generation of voters. If I thought of it, others have too.

Are you benefitting from Democratic policies? If you are, you don’t live in Illinois. Property Tax, Sales Tax, Gas Tax, Income tax, Increased Tollway fees, poor grades, expensive groceries. Fraud. High taxes and the Democratic Party are forcing thousands of people and companies to other states. including our neighbors Indiana and Wisconsin. Just drive up 294 to see the difference in active businesses. The Big 3 losers with the most flight?? California, New York and Illinois…The Big 3 Democratic Blue States.

The number one reason for the Financial Crisis in Illinois is legislation that passes expenses onto the state, which then raises taxes. Illinois is driving long term residents, along with their incomes, to flee the state through the high Cost of Living, corrupt politicians, choking bureaucracy and fraud.

Enjoy the Freedom of Change that will improve your outlook on life. Why does the Democratic Party try to change the rules of Law after suffering a defeat? Packing the Supreme Court? Gerrymandering? Tax everything, and tax the wealthy as long as you can. There always seems to be some kind of angle to get their hands on money and power. They thrive on it.

Regarding your vote, the implementation of a Voter ID system would ensure the integrity and accuracy of National Elections.  How did Biden get 81 Million votes? As you know, Airlines, Hotels, Libraries, Car Rental Companies, local Village Pool passes are just a few entities that require proof of citizenship, but the Right to Vote does not.

The State of Illinois residents face many challenges: How long can the Democrats use the people of the State of Illinois as their personal ATM?

What can we do to halt the slide?

• Property Tax Exemptions by Income level and age are two ways to provide relief to many homeowners with assessment limits to stem the tide of flight.

• Audit Teachers Unions. Implement Pension rules based on student test scores where increased scores receive greater allocation, and poor scores result in less money.  Allow parents access to attend classes once a semester.

• Recreate the Public Works Programs to train young people in the trades. Public works employees that received promotions during the Depression became the backbone of the WWII Military as Non-Commissioned Officers.

• Illegal Immigration Criminals: Bad people who enter the country the wrong way are Takers, Not Makers. Hiding amongst us to wreak havoc. There is only one way to get a life in America, and that is through the legal way, the only way.

• Re-enforce local Police to combat Road Rage, Speeding and Cut Through Traffic - to protect families. Parents of Children pulled over for speeding in cars or scooters (under 21) will be responsible for probationary costs and fines that increase with every occurrence, and loss of phone privileges while driving. Road Rage will end with consequences when focused on by local Police.

• Freeze Taxes, reduce state spending and government waste,

• Assist the Private Sector to bring business in and create jobs, to keep Illinoisans from fleeing the State. Make Illinois attractive to Big Business again.

My Career History:

Now retired, my career centered on 3 unique business models.

Insurance Industry: Allstate, CNA and Ryan Insurance Group (AON). Performed Systems Design, created profit centers via Telemarketing and Direct Mail.

Sales: Generated Sales for Clients and Publishing firms.

National Defense: The key to my Loyalty to America. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) instilled in me the importance of supporting our Military and Service Members with the tools to protect our Country. As a result of the Enron implosion and the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Bill, I identified and resolved compliance gaps to protect the Company, Employees, Clients and the Government.

The Right to Vote is a cornerstone of Freedom and Democracy. Remember to Vote on November 3, 2026. Thank you.

Tom Lally