Raj Pillai's 2026 endorsements

PROTECTWILL COUNTY

Our county deserves leaders with the character, competence and courage to protect our families, our taxpayers and the future we are building together.

ProtectTaxpayers
ProtectFamilies
ProtectPublic Safety
ProtectOur Schools
ProtectOur Future
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How to vote in Will County.

Use our organized, nonpartisan guide to check your registration, choose how you will vote and find official Will County election resources.

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Early votingNow–Nov. 2Expanded locations begin Oct. 19.
Vote by mailRequest by Oct. 29Return your ballot as early as possible.
Election DayNov. 3Polls are open 6 a.m.–7 p.m.
Trusted to serve

My 2026
endorsements.

These are not endorsements based on slogans or party labels alone. They are grounded in service, experience, personal trust and a shared commitment to protect the people and communities of Will County.

Will County Clerk · Countywide
Annette Parker

Annette Parker

The current County Clerk brings proven government, business and nonprofit leadership to election administration, public records and continued modernization.

Visit Clerk's office
Will County Sheriff · Countywide
Jim Reilly

Jim Reilly

A veteran law-enforcement professional with experience in patrol, K-9, narcotics and organized-crime investigations, dedicated to public safety and accountable community policing.

Visit campaign
Regional Superintendent of Schools · ROE 56 · Countywide
Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff

Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff

The current regional superintendent, committed to educational leadership, strong oversight, institutional accountability and protecting public education resources.

View public record
Will County Judicial Retention · Vote YES

Amy M. Bertani-Tomczak

An experienced Will County Circuit Judge seeking retention after decades of service on the bench.

View official ballot
Will County Judicial Retention · Vote YES

Daniel L. Kennedy

The Chief Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit, seeking retention to continue serving Will County.

View official ballot
Will County Judicial Retention · Vote YES

Daniel D. Rippy

An experienced Will County Circuit Judge seeking retention for another term of judicial service.

View official ballot
12th Judicial Circuit · 1st Subcircuit

JohnPaul Ivec

A Republican judicial candidate with more than 30 years of courtroom experience as a former prosecutor and criminal-defense attorney, committed to fairness, integrity and public safety.

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United States Congress · Illinois District 1
Christian Maxwell campaign graphic

Christian Maxwell

A businesswoman, marketing strategist, mother and community advocate focused on economic strength, parents' rights, safe communities and opportunity for working families.

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United States Congress · Illinois District 11
Jeff Walter

Jeff Walter

A retired U.S. Navy Master Chief and Mayor of Elburn who brings military, technology and local-government leadership to accountable service in Washington.

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United States Congress · Illinois District 14
James T. Jim Marter

James T. “Jim” Marter

An Oswego software consultant, former Kendall County Republican chairman and former library trustee focused on fiscal restraint, constitutional liberties, border security and accountable government.

Visit campaign
Will County Board District 1
Katie Deane-Schlottman

Katie Deane-Schlottman

An Air Force veteran, educator and county board member committed to public safety, responsible development and preserving Will County's agricultural character.

View public record
Will County Board District 1
Debbie Militello taking the oath of office

Debbie Militello

An experienced former county board and Forest Preserve member with firsthand knowledge of county budgeting, government operations and community service.

Will County Board District 2
Frankie Pretzel

Frankie Pretzel

A lifelong New Lenox resident, business owner and county board member focused on holding the line on taxes, supporting public safety and strengthening local infrastructure.

View public record
Will County Board District 3
Daniel Butler

Daniel Butler

A county board member, contractor and small-business owner focused on public safety, farmland, infrastructure and protecting residents from unnecessary financial burdens.

View public record
Will County Board District 4
Jim Richmond

Jim Richmond

A business and technology leader with deep municipal experience, focused on safe communities, sound finances and keeping county taxes in check.

View public record
Will County Board District 5
Dave Oxley

Dave Oxley

A businessman and experienced public servant whose decades in construction and local planning bring practical judgment to county finances, infrastructure and responsible growth.

View public record
Will County Board District 8
Mark V. Revis

Mark V. Revis

A lifelong Will County resident and county board member focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, small-business growth and ethical, transparent government.

View public record
Will County Board District 9
Raquel Mitchell

Raquel Mitchell

An experienced county board member and senior project manager focused on public safety, responsible development, fiscal discipline and putting Will County residents first.

View public record
Illinois Senate · District 17

Frederick L. Walls

A journeyman carpenter and small-business owner focused on property-tax relief, parental choice in education and a stronger climate for local businesses.

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Illinois Senate · District 21
Julie Berkowicz

Julie Berkowicz

A county board member and longtime community volunteer with a record of fiscal oversight, public-safety advocacy, conservation and direct service to residents.

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Illinois Senate · District 41

John Curran

The Senate Republican Leader, an attorney and former assistant state’s attorney bringing extensive legal and public-service experience to Springfield.

View public record
Illinois House · District 37

Patrick Sheehan

A former police officer, Lockport alderman and park commissioner bringing public-safety and local-government experience to the Illinois House.

View public record
Illinois House · District 41
Ajay Gupta

Ajay Gupta

A legal immigrant, tax attorney and financial economist offering exceptional fiscal expertise and a common-sense voice for families and taxpayers in Springfield.

Visit campaign
Illinois House · District 75

Jed Davis

A civil engineer, school-board leader and fifth-generation Kendall County resident advocating for families, schools and responsible government.

Visit campaign
Illinois House · District 80

Adam M. Beaty

A Braidwood Republican candidate seeking to provide the 80th District with a conservative voice and more accountable representation in Springfield.

View official filing
Illinois House · District 82

Nicole La Ha

A state representative and former Homer Glen village trustee focused on affordability, public safety, strong schools and advocacy for veterans and people with disabilities.

Visit campaign
Illinois House · District 84
Brian Scopa

Brian Scopa

A retired U.S. Navy Commander, combat veteran and father who brings 22 years of military leadership and major-budget experience to fiscal discipline, strong schools and safer communities.

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Illinois House · District 85

Chris Metcalfe

A Bolingbrook Republican candidate seeking to bring conservative priorities and accountable representation to families across the 85th District.

View official candidate list
Illinois House · District 97
Gabby Shanahan

Gabby Shanahan

A Plainfield Central graduate, mother and community advocate campaigning for lower costs and property taxes, stronger schools and honest, accountable leadership.

Visit campaign
Illinois House · District 98
Dr. Nona Parker

Dr. Nona Parker

An educator, accountant and community advocate focused on financial accountability, tax relief, school choice, public safety and support for seniors and veterans.

Visit campaign
A standard for leadership

What does it mean to PROTECT?

It means government should safeguard opportunity, respect the people paying the bills, support those who keep us safe and preserve what makes Will County a place worth calling home.

“I support these candidates because I know them, I trust them, and I believe they will protect Will County.”
Raj Pillai · Veteran · CPA · Community Advocate
01Character firstIntegrity matters when decisions are difficult and nobody is watching.
02Competence countsPublic service requires preparation, sound judgment and real experience.
03Fiscal disciplineEvery public dollar should be treated with respect and accountability.
04Service over egoLeadership is about protecting the community—not protecting a title.
Friend-to-friend effort

WRITE 50.REACH 3,000.

Help us reach Will County voters with a personal card. We provide the cards, voter addresses, approved message and instructions. You provide the personal touch.

Our funded plan is 3,000 cards. Every additional 50-card commitment moves us closer—and some volunteers are generously taking more than one packet.

Each card writer chooses one of three local card programs: Daniel Butler in Will County Board District 3, Katie Deane-Schlottman and Debbie Militello together in Will County Board District 1, or our countywide candidates together.

6050-card commitments
×
50cards each
=
3,000personal contacts
Cards pledged by writers
0 / 3,000
Postcard stamps pledged by writers
0 / 3,000
Daniel Butler · Will County Board District 30 / 1,000
Katie + Debbie · Will County Board District 10 / 1,000
Countywide team · Clerk, Sheriff and ROE Superintendent0 / 1,000
The remaining volunteer need is calculated from the cards still unpledged.

I’ll write 50 cards.

Here is the commitment: choose your packet, write 50 supplied cards, provide postcard stamps if you reasonably can, and update your progress through your private link.

1. Which 50-card packet would you like to write?
3. Can you provide the postcard postage?Fifty 65¢ postcard stamps cost $32.50. We ask volunteers to provide them when reasonably possible, but we still want your help if that is difficult.
Your information will only be used to coordinate this volunteer effort. The public dashboard never identifies individual volunteers.

Exactly what you need to do.

Six clear steps—from making the pledge to completing your packet. Raj’s team will provide the materials and instructions you need.

Pledge 50 cards.

Choose the local card program you want to support and submit the volunteer form.

Receive your packet.

We will contact you with pickup or delivery instructions for your cards and voter addresses.

Write the cards.

Use the supplied approved message and instructions. Add a personal touch where appropriate.

Add postcard stamps.

Provide 50 postcard stamps if you reasonably can. If the $32.50 cost is difficult, tell us that you need help.

Update your progress.

Your private link lets you confirm receipt of your packet and report how many cards you have completed.

Finish by the deadline.

Follow the final return or mailing instructions provided with your packet. Contact us promptly if anything changes.

Questions answered

Card-writing FAQ

Open any question for a direct answer. If you still need help, use the note field on your private volunteer page.

Stamp sponsorship: A separate sponsorship program is being organized. No sponsorship payments or commitments are being accepted at this time.
What is a Friend-to-Friend card?

It is a short, personal postcard from one local resident to another encouraging that voter to participate and support trusted Will County candidates.

What exactly am I agreeing to do?

You are committing to prepare 50 supplied postcards, follow the provided message and instructions, update your progress, and complete the packet by the stated deadline.

Will the cards, message and addresses be provided?

Yes. Raj’s team will provide the postcards, voter addresses, approved message and preparation instructions.

Do I have to purchase postcard stamps?

We ask volunteers to provide 50 postcard stamps when reasonably possible. They currently cost 65¢ each, or $32.50 for 50. If that cost is difficult, choose “I need help with postcard stamps.” Your card-writing commitment still counts.

How will I receive my packet?

After you register, Raj’s team will contact you with the available pickup or delivery arrangements.

How do I update my progress?

You will receive a private management link. Use it to confirm that you received your packet, report cards completed, update your stamp status or request help.

What if I cannot finish all 50 cards?

Tell us as soon as possible through your private page. We can reassign the remaining cards rather than lose valuable time.

Can two people share one packet?

Yes, but one person should register as the primary volunteer and remain responsible for reporting the packet’s combined progress.

Will my information appear on the public dashboard?

No. The public dashboard shows only combined totals. Your name, email, phone number and individual progress remain private.

Can I sponsor stamps without writing cards?

A separate Stamp Sponsor program is being prepared for larger postage support. It will not accept payments or commitments until the administrative arrangement is formally approved.

Raj Pillai in his office
A lifetime shaped by service, performance and accountability.
Why I am speaking up

Trust is not given.
It is earned.

From immigrating to America at age 12, to serving in the United States Navy, to becoming a CPA, business owner and community advocate, I have learned that leadership must be earned through performance and accountability. I have worked with leaders across Will County and watched how they respond when the pressure is real. My endorsements reflect my own judgment. I am supporting people I trust to do the work, tell the truth and protect the communities we share.

United States Navy VeteranCertified Public AccountantSmall-Business OwnerVeterans AdvocateWill County Community Leader