Decorated Arlington Heights Veteran Running For IL State Senate

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A decorated Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran has announced his candidacy for next year's Illinois State Senate election to represent District 27. David Mathis, an Arlington Heights Republican, recently retired from the military after 23 years of service.

"We're a working family, just like the ones I’m running to represent," Mathis, a father of five, tells Patch. "We know what it’s like to juggle bills, schedules, and responsibilities while trying to build a better future for our kids. Families are working harder and harder, but it’s getting more difficult to get ahead. That's personal for me."

Last month, current Illinois State Senator Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) said he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2026. Walker was appointed to the seat representing the 27th District in 2024, filling a vacancy left by former Sen. Ann Gillespie, and then was elected for a two-year term last November.

Carina H. Santa Maria, who was elected an Arlington Heights Village Board trustee in April, declared her candidacy for the seat in August. The 40-year-old Democrat is also the chief executive officer of Shelter Youth & Family Services in Arlington Heights.

RELATED: Arlington Heights Trustee Declares Candidacy For IL State Senate

The state senate seat for the 27th District represents a portion of the Northwest suburbs, including Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights and Rolling Meadows.

Mathis says he is running "to bring common-sense leadership and a service-first mindset to Springfield on behalf of working families who feel left behind."

According to Senate Republican Victory Fund, Mathis and his wife, a public school teacher, live in Arlington Heights with their blended family of five. Four of their children live at home, and his eldest daughter is currently serving in the Massachusetts National Guard.

In 2005, Mathis was nominated for the Chicago Hometown Hero Award and received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a "V" device, signifying valor in combat. He also earned the Meritorious Service Medal and several other commendations, recognizing his leadership in both combat and domestic operations.

In addition to his military career, Mathis says he has spent 25 years in the security and safety field and has led emergency response operations, managed personnel, and worked to protect communities across the state.

If elected, Mathis pledges to oppose tax hikes, restore fiscal responsibility, support public safety, and give working families a real voice in the statehouse.

"I've served my country, and now I’m ready to take that fight to Springfield," he said. "I will always stand up for working families and never forget who I'm fighting for."