ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst and the surrounding areas are traditionally Republican territory in the state House of Representatives.

However, in 2022, Democrat Jenn Ladisch Douglass broke the mold in District 45 by defeating Republican Deanne Mazzochi, who has been in office since 2018.

To the surprise of political observers, Ladisch Douglass decided against running for a second term.

The Democrat Marti Deuter and the Republican Dennis Reboletti are running in Tuesday's election. District 45 includes parts of Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs and Westmont, among others.

Both parties see District 45 as a battleground.

A few weeks ago, Deuter, an Elmhurst city councilwoman, had raised $1.1 million so far in the race, mostly from Democratic organizations.

Meanwhile, Reboletti had raised $325,000, mostly from GOP groups.

In many battlegrounds around Illinois, Democrats are testing Republicans.

Republican candidates previously relied on megadonors like former Gov. Bruce Rauner and billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin. In recent years, however, both have moved to Florida and have stopped opening their wallets for campaigns.

Reboletti, the Addison Township supervisor, is no stranger to big-ticket races. In 2022, his campaign raised $480,000 in the race against District 23 Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a Democrat from Western Springs.

By contrast, Glowiak Hilton made nearly $3.4 million, according to Board of Elections records. She won with 54 percent of the vote.

In the last race, much of the local candidates' money was spent on mailers.

In her literature, Deuter has noted Reboletti's pro-life activism on abortion before he left the House of Representatives in 2015. But she neglects to note that he has since taken a pro-choice position.

Meanwhile, Republican mailers in the state criticize Deuter for her votes on urban issues, particularly tax issues. But Reboletti's allies on the city council voted similarly.

Reboletti, a practicing attorney, has been the township's supervisor since 2017. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University and a law degree from Valparaiso University of Law.

In his political career, Reboletti also served as an Elmhurst city councilman and an Addison Township trustee.

For her part, Deuter works for Bridge Communities, a nonprofit organization based in Glen Ellyn that provides housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness.

She holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Ohio University and a master's degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration

In a patch questionnaire, both candidates were asked what they thought the state's most pressing issue was.

Deuter said she knew that after knocking on thousands of doors, the economy and the high cost of living are voters' biggest concerns. She said the state should build on its strengths such as an educated workforce, a global transportation hub, world-class universities and national laboratories.

“There is currently a shortage of workers in skilled trades, including welders, carpenters and electricians,” said Deuter. “The state must invest in training programs that can introduce young people and transition workers to these high-paying jobs.”

Reboletti said the most pressing issues are the high cost of living and the economy. He said he would ensure the state lives within its means, stop wasteful spending, cut bureaucracy and oppose the progressive income tax.

As for the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail, the two candidates had different views on its impact.

“This law has failed to ensure the safety of our communities,” Reboletti said. “It turned the prison into a revolving door. Read the patch and see all repeat offenders commit new crimes. Once released, it is almost impossible to bring these offenders back to court. There was nothing wrong with the previous system.”

Deuter said the state should continue to evaluate the law. At the same time, she said the DuPage County prosecutor and judges have done an “amazing” job implementing the law.

“We have not seen an increase in crime, and we have not seen an increase in failure to appear in court,” Deuter said.

In Illinois, state legislators often leave office before their terms expire, often to seek higher office.

While other states hold special elections in such cases, Illinois lets the leaders of the departing member's party choose a replacement. With the incumbent in office, potential election rivals are at a disadvantage.

Patch then asked each candidate whether they would resign before the end of their term for reasons other than family or health reasons. Both said they wouldn't do it.