Our Candidates
Federal


ERIC SORENSEN
17th Congressional District
I was born and raised in Rockford. Being outside has always been important to my family, and some of my earliest memories are floating down the Kishwaukee River (a tradition we continue today). My grandparents were active in my life. With both my grandpas having served in WWII, they instilled in me the value of service. Expand bio
Growing up, I was terrified of storms. But my local weatherman, “TV Eric,” explained what was happening, and helped me feel safe during them. From a young age I knew that I wanted to be “TV Eric,” and at age 27 that dream came true when I became the Chief Meteorologist at WREX in Rockford. Paying it forward, I started Project Tornado, an initiative that brings meteorologists into schools to help kids feel safer during severe weather, educating 50,000 students. After 11 years working in Rockford, I moved to Moline and spent seven years delivering weather to the Quad Cities.
State

STEVE STADELMAN
34th State Senate District
Steve Stadelman is an award-winning TV news anchor and father of four who ran for a seat in the Illinois Senate because his experiences as a journalist and parent convinced him of the need for fresh, common-sense representation in Springfield. Expand bio

MAURICE WEST
67th State House District
Maurice A. West II has a B.S. in psychology and sociology from Illinois College and a M.A. from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in industrial and organizational psychology. Expand bio He is an expert in career and workforce development having worked at Rockford University as the Director of Career Development for five years and Rock Valley College as a Career Counselor for the Dislocated Workers Program for over three years. He is a product of the Rockford Public Schools having graduated from Jefferson High. He is active in his community, founder of Share the Warmth-Rockford, and an ordained minister in his church. He is also an award-winning music composer and founder of TheWESTMelodies. A month before being sworn-in for his first term, Maurice married his beautiful bride, Leslie.

DAVE VELLA
68th State House District
Dave Vella is a local attorney who is running for State Representative in the 68th District, which includes all or part of Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, and Roscoe. Expand bio
County

TONY GASPARINI
County Coroner
Tony Gasparini is a strong advocate for justice, and will make sure that every case is thoroughly investigated. He is also committed to educating the public about the role of the coroner, and he will work tirelessly to improve the experience of families who are dealing with a death. Tony Gasparini is the best choice for Winnebago County Coroner. Expand bio

JOE C. HOFFMAN
County Board District 10

ANGIE GORAL
County Board District 13
I am very qualified for this position to help bring Winnebago County forward into the next decade. Expand bio
