Metro East Sun

Public safety has been a major talking point this election cycle in Illinois, with many candidates criticizing the SAFE-T Act, a criminal justice reform bill that goes into effect on Jan. 1.

Kevin Schmidt, Republican candidate for state representative and someone who opposes the SAFE-T Act, has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, according to a news release.

"I am pleased to have the support of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police," Schmidt said in a statement. "I have long supported law enforcement and one of the reasons I am running for office is because my opponent, LaToya Greenwood, supported the SAFE-T Act. I think her vote was completely irresponsible and has only served to make our communities less safe. I support law  enforcement, and I will be a strong advocate for the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us and our loved ones safe."

If elected, Schmidt said he will "defend, not defund the police."

"I look forward to working with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police in repealing the SAFE-T Act and enacting policies that will protect our residents and stop the rise in crime in our great state,” the candidate said.

The Fraternal Order of Police was founded in 1915 to provide a voice to police officers who needed an organization to "make their voices heard." Today the organization has 2,100 local lodges and more than 364,000 members throughout the United States.

Schmidt describes himself as a “strong conservative” and a father and husband that has strong ties to the Metro East area. Schmidt’s priorities in Springfield will be job growth, resolving crime and fighting for tax reform.

House District 114 encompasses parts of East St. Louis, wraps down south through Cahokia and around Belleville and comes back north to include O’Fallon.