Robyn Gabel, Charles Hutchinson Face Off Again In 18th District State House Race

NEW TRIER TOWNSHIP, IL — Incumbent State Rep. Robyn Gabel, an Evanston Democrat, and Republican challenger Charles Hutchinson, a Wilmette attorney, are facing off in the race for Illinois' 18th House District on Nov. 5.

The contest is a rematch of their 2022 race, which saw Gabel secure her seventh term in the Illinois General Assembly with over 80 percent of the vote.

Both Gabel and Hutchinson have campaigned on key economic issues, focusing on differing approaches to tax policy, cost of living and public pensions.

Though both were invited to a recent League of Women Voters of Wilmette forum, only Hutchinson attended, with Gabel instead attending a trade mission to Japan with Gov. JB Pritzker. The incumbent also did not respond to candidate questionnaires from Patch or WBEZ-Chicago Sun-Times.

Gabel, who was appointed majority leader in 2023, supports legislation such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to foster clean energy initiatives.

Her legislative record includes backing for tax credits, rental assistance, and healthcare expansions, focusing on cost-of-living measures like a child tax credit and eliminating the grocery tax by 2026.

Hutchinson's campaign has focused on reducing taxes, streamlining government and tackling Illinois’ pension crisis. He supports instituting a fixed levy on property taxes, consolidating state government bodies, and moving new state hires to a 401(k)-style retirement plan.

Some of the reforms proposed by Hutchinson, a former president of the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and the current chair of the Wilmette Historical Preservation Commission, could require changes to the state constitution.

Gabel has received endorsements from various advocacy groups, including local teachers and trade unions, reproductive rights organizations and environmental groups.

Hutchinson has been endorsed by the Chicago Tribune, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Technology and Manufacturing Association, the Illinois Family Institute and the United Hellenic Voters of America.

Early voting began on Oct. 23, with Election Day set for Nov. 5.