Illinois Valley Times

State Rep. David Welter (R-Dist. 75), tapped in July to fill a vacated state House seat, recently began campaigning in earnest with a televised commercial message to garner public support for his election in November.

In July, Welter was unanimously chosen by the 75th Legislative District Appointment Committee to replace John Anthony until the current term ends in January. 

“Growing up in Morris, I learned if you stood on the sidelines, you can’t complain,” the candidate said in his commercial. “So I started questioning our elected officials and their wasteful spending. When they wouldn’t listen, I ran for county board.” 

Welter became politically involved at an early age, serving on the Grundy County Board starting at age 19 and as its chairman since December 2014. When he witnessed unbridled government spending, he was motivated to deepen his involvement. 

While some supporters suggested he start with a school board position, Welter instead immersed himself in a successful run for county seat. At first, he encountered scattered skepticism due to his young age; he met that challenge head-on by purposefully canvassing constituents.

“I wrapped it up in a message and was successful,” Welter, a Morris resident, said of his early days, noting that as he went door-to-door, he found that he was able to relate to his middle-class community with shared values. “I was able to articulate well and … (consequently)earned respect of colleagues and was elected board chair.”

Welter emphasized that he is focused on the short term for now, serving out the remainder of Anthony’s term and addressing the 75th District’s needs. He also will defend his seat in the November general election against Democrat Martha Shugart.

“I am extremely impressed by the level of experience, professionalism and accomplishments that Mr. Welter has packed into his six years in public service," Kendall County Republican Chairman James Marter recently said. "David’s passion, youth and energy will be an asset to the residents of the 75th District.”

Welter was selected over a pool of eight applicants to fill Anthony’s seat. Anthony left his post for a position at the Illinois Department of Corrections.

"I want to thank the chairman for a thorough and open process," Welter said, adding that he felt honored to be chosen. "The real work starts now. “I look forward to representing … the 75th District, and I can't wait to get out and meet the people of the district."

The 75th District covers Grundy, Will, Kendall and LaSalle counties.

“Because the voters put their trust in me we cut taxes and improved our credit rating,” the candidate said in his televised message. “And if you let me go to work for you again I’ll do the same in Springfield. To get Illinois back on track we need to eliminate wasteful spending while fully funding education. I’m David Welter and I humbly ask for your vote.”