A local mayor is seriously considering running for Illinois State Rep in the 37th District. Speaking to WJOL, New Lenox Mayor Tim Balderman says he’s talking to his family about making a run for the Illinois House of Representatives in the 37th District.

Balderman would be replacing State Representative Margo McDermed (R-Mokena) who announced last week that she would not be seeking reelection in November 2020. McDermed says, “after 30 years as a corporate lawyer, followed by 14 years as an elected official, it’s time to retire.” McDermed wants to travel and spend more time with her family.

Balderman would have to give up being Mayor of New Lenox but not his job as superintendent of Union School District 81 that serves a single school.

The law allows you to keep your day job with deferred payments. If he were to win election to the 37th district he cannot be compensated by another public body while in legislative session. Balderman would run as a republican and could make a decision within a few weeks.