About Illinois State Senate District 52:
Illinois State Senators are elected every four years, and Scott Bennett was elected to this seat in 2016. He’d previously been appointed to the seat after it was vacated by Michael Frerichs. District 52 covers portions of Champaign and Vermillion counties, and includes the cities of Champaign-Urbana and Danville and the Village of Rantoul.
Bennett is a Democrat and the incumbent. He grew up in Gibson City, and graduated from Illinois State University and University of Illinois Law School. Prior to become a state senator, he was a Champaign County Assistant State’s Attorney. From his website:
He strives to make sure that everyone in the 52nd Senate district has access to good-paying jobs and a safe place to raise their families. Scott has worked hard for his district and will continue to do so when he is re-elected as our State Senator.
Ruggieri is a Republican. He grew up in East Central Illinois, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois and attended law school at Western Michigan. He’s served as a police officer and in the Illinois National Guard, and is currently in private law practice in Champaign County. From his website:
A.J. is passionate about leadership and community service. He is running for Senate in the 52nd district to use his leadership to bring a renewed focus to down state Illinois and the citizens of the 52nd.
Top image of (l) Scott Bennett and (r) A.J. Ruggieri from each candidate’s respective Facebook pages.