Maria Peterson
Maria Peterson Maria Peterson was born in Oak Park, Illinois. She earned a high school diploma from Proviso West High School, a bachelor's degree from Loyola University Chicago in 1985, and a law degree from the John Marshall Law School in 1989.
Campaign site
“I believe affordability is the defining challenge for working families across Illinois. After knocking on over 33,000 doors, I’ve heard the same concerns: rising grocery prices, skyrocketing housing costs, and healthcare expenses families simply can’t keep up with.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026)) “I believe environmental policy is health, economic, and future policy. I will fight to protect the Fox River, modernize stormwater infrastructure to prevent costly flooding, and support smart floodplain planning.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026)) “I believe protecting our communities from gun violence is about prevention, not politics. Through my work with Moms Demand Action, I’ve stood with survivors and fought for common-sense laws that keep guns out of dangerous hands across Illinois.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))Martin McLaughlin
Martin McLaughlin is the incumbent Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing District 52, having assumed office in January 13, 2021, and is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Martin McLaughlin earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1987. McLaughlin's career experience includes owning an investment advisory firm.
· Official legislative page
Campaign site
“Someone has to stick up for taxpayers and small businesses whose backs are breaking, carrying the ever-increasing tax burdens placed upon them by Springfield and local taxing bodies. We need to move back to a time when our tax dollars were spent wisely, doing more with less.”
(Campaign website (martyforillinois.com))WE NEED TO RETURN TO REASONABLE: “So families can raise their children in Illinois , and those children are able to start careers and find success so that they put down roots in our state.”
(Campaign website (martyforillinois.com))