Orland Park Lawyer Scott Kaspar Announces Run For 6th District

ORLAND PARK, IL — A new candidate for the redrawn 6th District stepped into the ring Tuesday to challenge several incumbents and current mayors for the congressional spot.

Scott Kaspar, a 46-year-old lawyer from Orland Park, previously ran for Orland Township Supervisor in 2021, but lost to incumbent Paul O'Grady. Kaspar will run against Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau and Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso in the June 28 Republican primary.

During his first try for office, Kaspar ran as an alternative to career politicians, a slogan he took with him while announcing his candidacy Tuesday. According to the Purdue University graduate, issues such as public safety and senior citizen care are the top priorities for his campaign.

During his announcement, Kaspar was endorsed by former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik. Kerik introduced a public safety task force that he and Kaspar will use to discuss ways the south suburban district can prevent crime in the wake of the shooting at Oak Brook Center Mall and a rise in carjackings.

"For far too long we have sat by idly as our elected officials have repeatedly let crimes go un-prosecuted. In Congress I will form a bipartisan coalition of similarly-situated Republican and conservative Democrat representatives and with the advice of Commissioner Kerik and my Public Safety Task Force, we will force blue state governors, like J.B. Pritzker, to uphold the laws and prosecute all perpetrators of violent crimes," Kaspar said at the event.

Kaspar said Kerik would stay on as a public safety advisor throughout his campaign.

On Tuesday, Kaspar also met with local teachers and administration, including District 135 School Board President Linda Peckham Dodge. According to Dodge, Kaspar spoke with teachers about increasing funding for STEM programs and vocational learning.