Nicolle Grasse
Nicolle Grasse is the incumbent Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing District 53, having assumed office in June 5, 2024, and is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Nicolle Grasse graduated from Rhinelander High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, received a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University, and a graduate degree from Chicago Theological Seminary.
· Official legislative page
Campaign site
“Affordability is a top priority. Whether it be housing, healthcare, cost of living, property taxes, etc; our State needs to do more to make it more affordable for everyone.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026)) “Since grade school, I’ve wanted to help make the world a better place for all of us. As an ordained minister and hospice chaplain for over 30 years, I have devoted myself to supporting people from all walks of life in finding solutions to what matters most to them.”
(Campaign website (grasseforstaterep.com))Elizabeth Bauer
Elizabeth Bauer Bauer advanced from the Republican primary on March 17, 2026 to qualify for the general election ballot in Illinois House of Representatives District 53.
Campaign site
“I believe in fiscal responsibility and accountability at every level of government. This means that I insist on evidence-based spending, and spending decisions that keep the budget balanced in the short and the long term, by planning ahead for long-term needs.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026)) “I believe in driving job growth and prosperity by creating a climate that enables businesses to thrive, which in turn means they are able to provide jobs for the people of Illinois and pay the taxes we rely on them to pay.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))