3 Face Off In 19th Senate District Republican Primary

ILLINOIS — Three Republican contenders are set to face off in the Tuesday, March 19 primary for the 19th Senate District. The three will vie for a chance to unseat incumbent Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) in November.

On the ballot seeking the Republican nod are Hillary Mattsey Kurzawa, Samantha Jean Gasca and Max Solomon.

Hastings has been senator since 2013, last winning re-election in 2022 over Republican challenger Patrick Sheehan.

The 19th district includes all, or parts, of the communities of Arbury Hills, Country Club Hills, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Hazel Crest, Homer Glen, Homewood, Joliet, Lockport, Matteson, Mokena, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Olympia Fields, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Richton Park, Tinley Park and University Park.

Max Solomon

Hazel Crest resident Solomon seeks the Republican slot on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot. Solomon is an attorney and adjunct professor of political science. He attained his bachelor's degree from DePaul University, master's in Theology from Valparaiso University and Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law. He has been Republican Party Committeeman in Bremen Township, Cook County. He also previously made a run for the gubernatorial seat.

Solomon declined to answer questions about his family, stating his "preference is to keep my family out of my involvement in politics in consideration and respect for their privacy."

Solomon said the biggest issue facing the district is high property taxes.

"... I intend to advocate, sponsor, and vote for property tax freeze, moratorium, and reform. Illegal immigration has also become a very serious issue, and I intend to advocate, sponsor, and vote for an end to 'sanctuary state' status and funding for illegal immigration."

In a candidate questionnaire issued by Patch, Solomon said he has "the most knowledge and experience in issue-identification and policy-making, and I have the most vetted policy advocacy and positions having been a former Candidate of the Republican Party for Governor (2022).

"I am the best candidate to take on and win against the incumbent and unopposed candidate of the Democrat Party in November."

Solomon supports right to life; parents' rights; gender-at-birth; border security; legal immigration; 2nd amendment; law and order; security and safety. He believes if he were to ultimately win the seat, property tax reform would be the greatest indicator of his success.

"It is my calling to serve and advocate for others in matters of public policies and welfare, while ensuring and securing individual rights and freedoms to pursue happiness," Solomon told Patch.

"I am a Christian, Conservative, and Republican; and my policy advocacy are aligned with these value subscriptions. I am socially and fiscally conservative, and taxpayer dollars should be handled with utmost responsibility and care aimed at lessening tax burdens rather than increasing them."

To help constituents struggling with the cost of living, Solomon would "lower their taxes; consolidate governmental units (taxing bodies); reduce governmental fees without compromising service and efficiency."

When asked if the Biden administration should stiffen requirements for asylum seekers and if Texas should provide more notice to Illinois when busing migrants to the Chicago area, Solomon answered:

"The requirements for asylum seekers have already been set by Congress. The Biden Administration should just secure our borders and enforce our border laws.

"Texas, and many other States are dealing with the consequences of the Biden Administration's failure to secure our borders. Besides, Illinois asked for the illegal immigrants by choosing and declaring itself to be a 'sanctuary state.'"

He also said that state or federal funding should not be provided to help municipalities address the arrival of asylum seekers.

He does not believe that candidates should be disqualified from holding office if they faced misdemeanor charges related to Jan. 6, 2021.

"I am an affected voter too, and will fight for us all," Solomon said, of what voters should know about him.

Samantha Jean Gasca

Gasca, 36, is a New Lenox resident, who became a conservative at age 18. She works at Moody radio as a Data Specialist, and is a pastoral counselor helping people in domestic violence situations, trauma, etc., according to her website. She is also a life coach and motivational speaker. It is Gasca's first pursuit of a state office, following a run for New Lenox School Board District 122.

"I felt the call to do so because of our children," Gasca wrote, of her motivation to run.

Gasca is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, she wrote, and "thus I became a child advocate and a defender of children's rights.

"We have to protect the innocent from this pressed manipulation that is exposing young minds to sexual ideologies at such a young age... especially coming from people we should be able to trust. We have to make an impact now for future generations," Gasca's website reads.

Gasca would seek to lower taxes and eliminate needless or reckless spending of tax revenue. She would also seek to revamp education curriculum.

"It's time our students graduate at the reading level respective to their grade, and are much more prepared for college and the workforce. I also will support trade schools," her website reads.

More information about Gasca can be found on her website. The candidate did not respond to Patch's questionnaire.

Hillary Mattsey Kurzawa

Frankfort resident Kurzawa is a mother, wife of a law enforcement officer, and hairstylist. She is a graduate of Lincoln-Way Central in New Lenox, attended DePaul University. She prides herself on bringing "a fresh perspective to the political landscape, committed to serving our community with honor, dignity, and transparency."

Kurzawa's journey into Illinois politics "was sparked by a commitment to parental choice and supporting our small businesses during the shutdowns of the Covid-19 pandemic."

She currently serves as a Precinct Committeeman for Frankfort Township, "allowing me to directly engage with residents and gain firsthand insight into their concern," her website reads. In 2022, she was appointed Frankfort Township Trustee, which she described as "a testament to my work and dedication to the community."

She also sought a seat on the Frankfort Board of Trustees in April 2023. She was defeated.

Kurzawa comes with a "strong foundation in Republican principles, a deep commitment to family values, and unwavering accountability to our community."

If elected, Kurzawa would focus on promoting fiscal discipline, lowering taxes for residents, supporting law enforcement officers and first responders, restoring law and order, supporting school choice, advocating for parental rights, and protecting constitutional rights, according to her website.

"... I am prepared to lead our district towards a brighter future. Together, let's build a stronger Illinois based on our shared values and principles."

More information about Kurzawa can be found on her website. The candidate did not respond to Patch's questionnaire.