Chicago City Wire

George Kemper is staying hopeful after conceding his House race in the 12th District.

Kemper wished his opponent and the people of the district the best. 

"While I wish that the outcome of Tuesday night's election had gone in my favor, I am humbled and thankful for all the support we have been shown through this process. It has been an incredible experience," Kemper posted on Facebook. "I wish my opponent, Margaret Croke, the best. I hope she works to represent all people, not just those within her party."

Republicans went into the election with high hopes; however only 78 of the 118 House seats were contested, and in the Senate, only 25 of 59 seats were contested, which Kemper has also noted saying "Few of us will run for office, and fewer still win." 

"But that does not mean we are meant to sit back and do nothing. We must always find ways to serve our community, regardless of our profession," Kemper added. "I do not know what my next steps will be, or where they will lead me. But I do know that I will continue doing all I can to serve my neighbors and my countrymen. Thank you again, God bless you all, and God bless America!"

Kemper had to fight to even get on the ballot: "My opposition filed an objection to keep my name off the ballot. While I expected this to happen, as I was warned ahead of time, I was unaware of how wasteful of an ordeal it is. It required lawyers on both sides, multiple meetings over multiple weeks, and multiple government employees to handle just one case." This ordeal made him realize that public service has become an exclusive club for those with time and resources. Kemper added that the term "voter suppression" has become a hot topic and believes that his ordeal falls under that umbrella. He noted that efforts like this restrict voters' options on the ballot and wondered why candidates undertake efforts like this if they are so confident in their abilities. 

He ran on government accountability, stopping wasteful spending, parental rights, personal freedom, and repealing the SAFE-T Act. He looks to Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" because it talks about natural rights and what actions must be taken when they are infringed. Kemper was an Eagle Scout and is also an Army veteran with a deployment to Syria in 2019.

Kemper actively campaigned across his district. He was heard on radio programs and gave out campaign yard signs. He campaigned with Bob Fioretti, who ran against Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County president, and he spoke to pastors from across Chicago. 

Upon being endorsed by the Parent Party, Kemper tweeted "I believe that prioritizing our children’s welfare, and supporting parents’ rights, is something that we can all get behind." Kemper said that "We need elected officials who genuinely care about their constituents more than their political party. To have that happen, we need voters who genuinely care about the right candidates more than their political party."

Republicans made modest gains in the State Senate, but it was still a disappointing night for them as the Democrats still have a supermajority in Springfield. 

Current House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) said, "We know that when we fight, we win — and tonight, that couldn’t be more true. House Democrats have fought tirelessly for working families and have secured important legislative wins to protect reproductive rights, rebuild our infrastructure, fund critical public safety initiatives, and so much more."

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said, "The people have spoken. Now it’s time to get to work governing." 

On the heels of Republican losses across the state, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) announced he would not seek another term to head the House GOP: "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as leader of the House Republican caucus, but it’s time for the Illinois Republican Party to rebuild with new leaders who can bring independents back to the party that are needed to bring change to the state."