The Ballot Brief
Kendall County, Illinois

Illinois House District 97

Heitman and Shanahan are on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Names follow official Kendall County election filings.

About this race

Jessica Dixon Heitman (Democratic), Gabby Shanahan (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot. The seat is open: Rep. Harry Benton (Democratic), the sitting member per the General Assembly's roster, is not on the November ballot. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Illinois › Kendall County › Illinois House District 97

Jessica Dixon Heitman

Jessica Dixon Heitman

Democratic

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Strengthen public schools, per Capitol News Illinois
  • Ease the property tax burden, per Capitol News Illinois
  • Support local businesses and workers' rights, per Capitol News Illinois
Biography

Heitman built a career in public relations and communications and owned a small business that helped nonprofit organizations advocate for the communities they serve, per the campaign site. Heitman says she was appointed State Representative for Illinois' 97th House District on July 20, 2026, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Gabby Shanahan

Republican

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Lower the cost of living and taxes
  • Create opportunities for youth, including college affordability
  • Integrity and accountability in leadership
Biography

Gabby Shanahan, a graduate of Plainfield Central High School, has worked in non-profits and community service and describes her life as centered on service at school, in non-profits, and as a mother, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)
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Voting info and more

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Questions about this race

Who is running for Illinois House District 97 in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Illinois House District 97 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Jessica Dixon Heitman and Gabby Shanahan. Candidate information follows official Kendall County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the Illinois House District 97 election in Illinois?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Illinois are on the Illinois election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Kendall County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Kendall County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Illinois election office, or see the full Kendall County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Kendall County ballot

7 tracked races in Kendall County, Illinois. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Illinois Senate District 38Illinois Senate District 42Illinois House District 75See all 7 Kendall County races
Candidate profiles
Jessica Dixon Heitman, full profileGabby Shanahan, full profileOfficial Illinois election office