Congratulations to Nicolle Grasse, the new Illinois State Representative of the 53rd District! On June 5, a committee composed of the Democratic Committeepeople whose townships are part of the 53rd District gathered to interview six candidates to be appointed to the seat. In the photo at top are, from left, Elk Grove Twp. Committeeperson Ted Mason, new State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, State Senator and Wheeling Township Committeeperson Mark Walker, State Senator and Maine Township Committeeperson Laura Murphy, and Palatine Township Committeeperson Maria Galo. Schaumburg Township Committeeperson Mike Cudzik sent a proxy vote. 

The seat was vacated in May, when then-State Rep. Mark Walker was appointed to be the State Senator of the 27th District, after Senator Ann Gillespie stepped down to lead the Illinois Department of Insurance. State Rep. Grasse is also an Arlington Heights Village Trustee, and she works as a hospice chaplain based in Palatine. While she lives in Arlington Heights, she has been an enthusiastic participant in Greater Palatine Area Democrats' events over the years.

All the candidates who stepped forward to be considered for the appointment had excellent professional credentials. The committee considered the candidates' professional credentials, elected office experience, Democratic voting record, and history of volunteering for their local township Democratic organizations.

State Representative Grasse will be on the November 2024 ballot, so she will need volunteers to canvass for her to help her win her election against a Republican candidate. Her district includes the southeast part of Palatine and much of Rolling Meadows.