Metro East Sun

In a recent Facebook post, Illinois state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) endorsed Wavey Lester II for the 57th District Senate seat.

In the post, Bryant shared a link to a Youtube video put together by candidate Lester. In that video, he compared himself to incumbent Sen. Christopher Belt (D-East St. Louis), whom he is challenging for the senate seat.

"Wavey Lester is without exception one of the best candidates I have ever seen," Bryant said of Lester in the post. "If you live in the Metro East please consider voting for this awesome man. If you do not live in his district please consider donating to his campaign. He is worth your consideration and your vote."

Even though Illinois is experiencing an exodus of people and companies, Wavey remains optimistic about the state. 

"Wavey Lester is a Constitutional conservative-minded military veteran and entrepreneur running for State Senate to represent the 57th District," his website said. "While many people are fleeing Illinois, Wavey believes there is still hope for the state. However, the clock is ticking. If people don't step up and fight to make a difference, Illinois will continue to become less and less desirable for people to want to call home."

He currently lives in Millstadt with his wife Sara and their two children and has lived in the 57th District since 2002. After leaving the military in 2006 with an honorable discharge, Lester became an entrepreneur (real estate investor/business owner) and political enthusiast. He served on a local school board for three years. 

Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lester volunteered to serve as as auxiliary police officer.

In the June primary election, Bryant ran without opposition in her attempt to continue serving the residents of District 58, a Journal Star report said.