Michael Halpin
Michael Halpin is the incumbent Democratic member of the Illinois State Senate representing District 36, having assumed office in January 11, 2023, and is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Michael Halpin graduated from Roger Williams University with a bachelor's of arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois. He has previously served as a legislative aid to former Congressman Lane Evans, as public guardian for Rock Island County, and has served on the board of directors for Bridging the Gap.
· Official legislative page
Campaign site
“Encourage sustainable economic development in the Illinois Quad Cities. I will bring state investment to infrastructure projects that will enable the Illinois Quad Cities to attract new business and expand those businesses and institutions already here, including Western Illinois University.”
(Ballotpedia (Campaign Themes)) “Raise the Minimum Wage. Wages have been stagnant for decades, while income inequality continues to increase. Nearly 60% of Rock Island County voters support raising the minimum wage, and I will do what it takes to give Illinois workers a raise.”
(Ballotpedia (Campaign Themes)) “Families are bearing the brunt of inflation and taxes are only making matters worse. That’s why I’ll fight in the Senate to bring relief to middle-class homeowners through a property tax refund, helping families keep more of what they earn.”
(Campaign website (halpinforillinois.com))Brad Beekman
Brad Beekman Brad Beekman graduated from Astoria High School. He attended Illinois College and earned a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in 1993.
Campaign site
“A Voice for Law Enforcement - I am opposed to the SAFE-T Act and will support to have it repealed or amended. Our communities and our citizens deserved be safe.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026)) “Advocate for Quality Education - I support school choice, Public Schools, Charter Schools and home schooling. Our schools deserve stable and reliable funding from state government, not local property taxes.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))Service. Sacrifice. Common sense: “Brad believes in a more prosperous, vibrant, and healthy Illinois. Through his years of service and dedication to our state, Brad—like many of us—has seen the steep decline in Illinois.”
(Campaign website (beekmanforsenate.com))