From State Rep. Marty McLaughlin:
McLaughlin: Best Opportunity to Retain the 26th District Senate Seat
Barrington Hills, IL — Martin McLaughlin, a proven Republican leader and experienced public servant, has formally announced his interest in filling the 26th District Senate seat following Senator Dan McConchie’s upcoming resignation.
McLaughlin has extensive experience advocating for common sense policies and fiscal retain the seat and ensure future Republican success.
“Many of you know my record of service, not only at the local level, but across the state,” McLaughlin said.
“As a three-time elected State Representative and twice-elected Village President of Barrington Hills, I’ve consistently demonstrated my ability to win against well-funded opponents and deliver results for my constituents.”
McLaughlin highlighted his recent initiatives to engage low-propensity voters in Lake and McHenry Counties, which have already proven beneficial to Republican candidates.
He emphasized his unique ability to energize voters and secure victories in a competitive district.
“In my last election, I faced a $3.8 million opposition effort and still won decisively—outperforming President Trump by over 5% in the 52nd District, while spending only $170,000.
This demonstrates my ability to stick to the real issues that matter to my constituents and allows me to effectively represent a purple district,” McLaughlin stated.
McLaughlin also addressed concerns about insider politics and nepotism, referencing Senator McConchie’s recommendation of the party chairwoman’s son for the seat.
“Republicans have rightly criticized Democrats for engaging in such practices.
“The 26th District deserves a candidate with a proven record, not one selected through insider politics. Republicans believe in merit-based selection. If the committee chooses to go down this path, I will actively campaign for the seat in the 2026 primary – and I will win”.
Looking ahead, McLaughlin is confident in his ability to lead Republican efforts in the next election cycle, where 16 Republican Senate seats will be up for grabs.
“I’m prepared to raise the resources necessary and ensure that our party succeeds, both in the 26th District and across the state,” he said.
While McLaughlin has expressed willingness to participate in a virtual interview, he strongly advocates for an in-person discussion to provide the best opportunity for dialogue and decision-making.
“I am committed to strengthening our Senate messaging and ensuring Republican victories.
“Together, we can demonstrate that Republicans can win in competitive districts and beyond,” McLaughlin concluded.
About Martin McLaughlin
Martin McLaughlin is a pension investment advisor and a dedicated Republican leader with extensive experience in public service. He has been elected three times as a State Representative in the 52nd District and twice as Village President of Barrington Hills. McLaughlin is known for his grassroots campaigns, ability to breakdown complex fiscal issues, and commitment to conservative values, which allows McLaughlin to consistently deliver results for his constituents. For further inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact Martin McLaughlin at 847-721-5014
= = = = =
When Dan Duffy retired from the State Senate, he recommended Dan McConchie.
Also applying for the position was McConchie.
McLaughlin ran for the Senate seat in the next election, but lost to McConchie
McLaughlin sought to lead House Republicans in 2023, but did no succeed.
Probably as a result the campaign fund marshalled by the woman who beat him refused to spend any money to re-elect him State Representative, even though his was objectively the most difficult race for an incumbent.
