Metro East Sun

It’s official – Michael Babcock has put in his bid for state representative.

"I look forward to offering voters in the 111th (District) a chance to vote against (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago),” Babcock told the Metro East Sun after handing in his official paperwork at the Illinois State Board of Elections candidate petition filing on Tuesday. “I believe the voters are ready for change in Springfield, and I’m ready to get to work on the issues that matter most to them.

For a short time Babcock, a Republican, appeared to be the sole choice for the 111th District seat, which includes Alton and Wood River in Madison County, since Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton) decided not to seek re-election. Now he is not alone. 

Mike Babcock, 111th District candidate

Since announcing he would step down, Beiser is pulling out his former chair for Monica Bristow to take the seat. Now Babcock, an insurance firm owner, will run against Bristow, the former president of the Riverbend Growth Association, a position she resigned from to fill Beiser’s seat.

“My message is simple – we need more, good paying jobs, lower taxes, and a government that is held accountable,” Babcock, a 55-year-old graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, said. “Additionally, when I get to Springfield I swear to support our Constitution by defending our Second Amendment rights and I will be a voice for the unborn.”

Babcock, Wood River Township's supervisor, both balanced the budget and cut spending and taxes. He resides in Bethalto with his wife, Carol, and three sons, Michael, Jonathan and Joseph.

The candidate said he and his family feel it is an obligation to give back to their community, especially since ever-higher taxes and a corrupt political culture are destroying Illinois quality of life. He added he understands that, unlike Madigan, businesses are closing and industry is leaving the state in order to survive.

Illinoisans are being taxed out of their homes and our friends and family are fleeing across the river, the House hopeful said, adding if elected he will work for change.

“I am honored and humbled to formally become your Republican candidate for state representative,” Babcock said.