Metro East Sun

Senator Erica Harriss and Representative Bradley Fritts have been named Freshmen of the Year by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes legislators who have made significant contributions to defending free enterprise and advancing economic opportunities in Illinois during their first two years in office.

Senator Erica Harriss has represented the 56th District since 2023 and serves as the Minority Spokesperson on the Local Government Committee. During her tenure on the Madison County Board, she chaired the Personnel Committee and was a member of several other committees. Senator Harriss resides in Glen Carbon, where she is a small business owner, volunteers for local charities, and leads a youth group at her church.

“As a small business owner, Sen. Harriss has a unique understanding of the challenges that our job creators face in Illinois,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove). “She uses this firsthand experience to help craft and pass public policies to invest in our Illinois job creators and the millions of families they support. She is a passionate, intelligent and solution-driven legislator and a great asset to our caucus and the people of Illinois. I am proud of her for receiving this prestigious award for her voting record and the successes she accomplished in her first General Assembly, and I look forward to working with her on her continued efforts to make our state a better, more prosperous place to work and live.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for my commitment in ensuring Illinois businesses have the support and tools needed to foster economic development across our state,” said Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon). “As a small business owner, I understand how important it is to continue to find ways to make Illinois a more business-friendly state. A robust jobs climate serves the interests of everyone in our state.”

Representative Bradley Fritts was elected to represent the 74th District in 2022. He graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Consumer Economics. Representative Fritts works on his family farm in Dixon and actively volunteers with community programs such as Meals on Wheels, the food pantry, and Buddy Bags.

“I am proud to learn that Representative Brad Fritts was selected as the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Freshman of the Year,” said Illinois Republican Leader Tony McCombie. “This well-deserved recognition highlights his dedication and effectiveness in his first session. His commitment to prioritizing the needs of the district above politics has contributed to advancing legislation that advances the region. I look forward to seeing his continued impact and leadership as a rising star in Illinois politics.”

“I am incredibly honored to receive the Outstanding Freshman of the Year award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce,” said Rep. Fritts. “I look forward to continuing working alongside the chamber to foster economic development and make Illinois a place where businesses and families thrive.”

“The Illinois Chamber is honored to provide these awards to two Outstanding Freshman legislators. Both Senator Harriss and Representative Fritts have made great gains in their short time in the General Assembly,” said Lou Sandoval, President & CEO of The Illinois Chamber Of Commerce.” We hope to continue seeing them rise in their careers as legislators providing lasting impact on businesses across our state."

The Outstanding Freshman of The Year Award honors freshmen legislators from each house who have provided outstanding voting records, sponsorships records, and collaborative spirit within their first two years in office.

Founded In 1919, The Illinois Chamber Of Commerce represents over 3,000 businesses statewide covering diverse industries advocating for an environment promoting economic growth free enterprise prosperity across all sizes industries.