Illinois State Senate District 56

Current seat holder: Erica Harriss.

Marsia Geldert-Murphey

Marsia Geldert-Murphey Marsia is a Senior Associate for GBA, responsible for the growth of their operations in the state of Illinois. She is an engineering executive with over 30 years of experience related to transportation, utility capital improvements, rail, site development, federal installations, commercial and industrial development.

· Campaign biography

Campaign site

“Education. Our communities thrive when our kids thrive. Supporting and investing in public education is one of the most powerful ways we can build a community where everyone has the chance to succeed.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))
“Infrastructure is my bread and butter. I have worked as a Civil Engineer for more than 30 years.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))

Erica Harriss

Erica Harriss is the incumbent Republican member of the Illinois State Senate representing District 56, having assumed office in January 11, 2023, and is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Erica Harriss was born in Illinois. Harriss earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville in 1999.

· Official legislative page

Campaign site

“To support law enforcement and repeal the SAFE-T Act, keeping them and our communities safe.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2022))
“I am running for the Illinois Senate to make Illinois a better place to work, live and raise a family. I believe the way to improve our state is to end political polarization and bring together leaders of both parties to work for solutions to benefit the people - rather than the politicians in this state.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2022))
“As a small business owner, I understand and have dealt personally with many of the government hurdles that hold entrepreneurs in Illinois back.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2022))