COMMUNITY SUPPORT
WHAT OUR COMMUNITY IS SAYING
Danielle Penman is proud to have the support of people and organizations from across District 33 and beyond. From community members and local businesses to elected officials and organizations, their words reflect a shared belief that our communities deserve thoughtful, responsive and principled leadership in Springfield.
See what supporters are saying about Danielle and why they believe she is the right choice to represent Illinois’ 33rd Senate District.
"Danielle Penman is running to replace me in the Illinois State Senate."
State Senator Don DeWitte has represented Illinois' 33rd District since 2018. He is retiring at the end of this term — and he shares his thoughts on the woman running to succeed him.
"She brings an outstanding toolbox to this position. As a nurse in obstetrics, she sees the good and the bad of childbirth. Working in intensive care, sometimes there aren't very happy endings. I think that makes her a little softer in her heart — and will certainly give her assets that will make her a better, more thoughtful state senator in Springfield."
"We want her in Springfield with us."
State Senator Craig Wilcox represents Illinois' 32nd District, immediately north of District 33. He's met Danielle and her husband many times — and explains why he thinks she's right for the seat.
"Her decades of service in the healthcare profession, her involvement in the school boards — she understands empathy for our residents. She lives it every day. But she also understands that if Illinois doesn't become the primary funder of education like our Constitution says, we can't get a handle on property taxes."
That link between school funding and property taxes is the heart of why Illinois homeowners pay among the highest property tax bills in the country — and it's one of the central reasons Danielle is running.
"I've known Danielle since 2019."
Carla Macaluso is a St. Charles resident who has known Danielle Penman for years - and explains, in her own words, why she's voting for her in November.
"I am voting for Danielle because she's been a proven patriot. She's a wonderful nurse. She really can't be bullied, and she will stand up for Illinoisans."
"I'm a nurse who's worked with Danielle almost over 30 years."
Theresa McIntyre has spent three decades working alongside Danielle Penman in healthcare — and explains what that taught her about the woman now running for Illinois State Senate.
"She's such an advocate for patients. She's been a bereavement coordinator for 20 years or so. She's always there when you need her. She's just a great friend, a great nurse — and I highly recommend her for the job as a senator for Illinois, because she really cares about people. I could call her literally any time and she would be there."
"I don't think they're prepared for Danielle."
Jack Sullivan has known Danielle Penman and her family for years.
"She's truly a force of nature. If Danielle is our next senator, she's gonna be the most independent voice that you can imagine in Springfield. I don't think they're prepared for Danielle — but once she's there, everybody will know Danielle Penman."
"I'm sick of paying the highest taxes in the country."
Michelle Bettag is voting for Danielle Penman — and explains why.
"She's a servant in the community. She is an amazing person who I know is a hard worker… I see her working every day for the people of Kane County and for Illinois. I'm sick of paying the highest taxes in the country, and I want someone to go to Springfield that is willing to fight for me here in St. Charles — because frankly, we need representation."
"She's not afraid to get dirty. She's not afraid to work."
Bruno Hilgart of the St. Charles Republicans has watched Danielle Penman work her district firsthand.
"I'm supporting Danielle Penman this November 3rd for State Senate, 33rd District, because she's got a proven track record in the community… She is gonna work hard for us. She's not gonna quit. She's not gonna put up with what's been going on for way too long."
"She's gonna teach [Springfield] to live within their means, and not expect taxpayers to continue to bail out this state. She is gonna fight — and that's why I want you to vote for her."
"She'll take care of families — regardless of the party lines."
David Fairgrieve has been Danielle Penman's friend for many years. When he was recently diagnosed with a serious health condition, she was the person who checked in.
"She'll text me, she'll call me — 'How are you doing today? How are you feeling? What can I do to help you?' …
When I'm looking for a doctor, Danielle reaches back out and says, here's some doctors, call them today. And then she follows up: 'Did you call them yet?'"
"I really feel so special that Danielle is not only my friend, but to run for senator — and know that she'll take care of the rest of the families, regardless of the party lines, here in the state of Illinois."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE EDITORIAL BOARD
“Illinois Democrats see an opportunity in this west suburban district, which runs from St. Charles through Elgin to Crystal Lake. Respected Republican Sen. Don DeWitte is retiring at the end of this term.
The Democratic candidate is Algonquin resident Michele Clark, 54, director of development at a local food pantry. She faces Republican Danielle Penman, a 49-year-old labor-and-delivery nurse from St. Charles who won a vigorously contested primary against Jessica Breugelmans.
We endorsed Breugelmans in the primary, but thought Penman was also a good option. Republicans have a solid candidate carrying their banner to keep this seat in the GOP fold.
Penman is focused on property tax relief with practical suggestions such as increasing the homeowners exemption and tying it to inflation so the value doesn't erode over time.
We agree with her, too, that Illinois must put the brakes on premature closing of fossil fuel-fired power plants while there are questions about electricity reliability in the near term - a step Springfield Democrats refuse to take.
A vote to flip this seat to the Democrats is a vote for higher taxes and spending. We endorse Danielle Penman.”
-The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Illinois PAC
“During a time of rising business costs in this state, Danielle Penman is the best equipped candidate to represent small businesses in the 33rd district,” said NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley.
“Small businesses need a fighter who will stand up to Springfield special interests and advocate for common-sense, pro-Main Street policies.”
Chicago Firefighters UNION, Local No. 2
“As a nurse for nearly 30 years, Danielle Penman understands what it means to answer the call when people need help. She shares the commitment to public service that firefighters and first responders bring to our communities every day. We are proud to endorse Danielle Penman for State Senate.”
NURSES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (PAC)
“I am proud to be endorsed by Nurses PAC, an organization representing nurses in Illinois.”
-Danielle Penman
EILEEN PHIPPS, MAYOR OF WAYNE
As Mayor of Wayne, I have seen firsthand how decisions made in Springfield can affect our communities and the people who call them home. That is why it matters to have someone like Danielle Penman representing us in the State Senate.
Danielle understands that every community is different and that local leaders and residents deserve a voice in the decisions that affect them. Too often, the state imposes new mandates without providing the funding to pay for them. Local governments are left to make it work and taxpayers are left to pick up the cost.
Danielle will stand up for our communities and push for a better approach in Springfield. She will fight to keep local decisions in local hands and make sure the state takes responsibility for the mandates it imposes. That is the kind of voice our communities need in the State Senate.
I am proud to support Danielle Penman for State Senate.
JEFF WALTER, MAYOR OF ELBURN
In the Navy, in business, and now as Mayor of Elburn, I’ve learned that leadership comes down to responsibility. You show up, make difficult decisions and remember that the people you serve are counting on you to get it right.
That is what I see in Danielle Penman.
For nearly three decades as a nurse, Danielle has spent her career caring for people during some of the most important and difficult moments of their lives. That experience has given her a perspective we need more of in government: listen, understand what people are facing and get to work solving the problem.
Danielle is thoughtful, hardworking and grounded in the community she wants to represent. I know she will take that responsibility seriously and be a strong voice for us in Springfield.
I’m proud to support Danielle Penman for State Senate.
CLIFF SURGES, KANE COUNTY BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 21
After serving in local government, I’ve learned that good public service starts with knowing your community and caring about the people in it. That’s what stands out to me about Danielle Penman.
Danielle has spent more than 20 years in this community, both raising her family and caring for others as a nurse. She has a real connection to the people she wants to represent and understands what matters most.
I’m confident Danielle will bring that same sense of service to Springfield and I’m proud to endorse her for State Senate.
JON GRIPE, KANE COUNTY BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 14
Danielle Penman is running for State Senate for the right reason: she wants the people of our communities to have a voice in Springfield.
She isn’t looking at this race as the next step in a political career. Danielle comes from outside the political system, and I believe that matters. She listens to people, takes their concerns seriously and isn’t afraid to stand her ground when she believes something is wrong.
The people of the 33rd District deserve a senator who will answer to them—not to party leaders, political insiders or special interests. Someone who will take their concerns to Springfield, fight for their communities and remember every day who they were elected to represent.
I believe Danielle will be that kind of senator, and I’m proud to support her.
BILL ROTH, Kane County Board, VICE CHAIRMAN, District 12
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Danielle Penman as a friend and neighbor for nearly 25 years. Over that time, I’ve come to know her as someone who genuinely cares about others and is deeply committed to our community.
That commitment has shaped both the life Danielle has built here and her career caring for others. It’s also what I know she will bring to the State Senate: a strong sense of service and a genuine desire to make our community an even better place to call home.
I’m proud to call Danielle my neighbor and even prouder to endorse her for State Senate.
PRIMARY ELECTION
ENDORSEMENTS
ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
The endorsement of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (ILFOP),o ne of the state’s most respected and influential law enforcement organizations, reflects Penman’s strong commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement officers, and dedication to protecting the constitutional rights of Illinois families.
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police,” said Penman. “Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe. They deserve leaders who will stand with them, respect their service, protect their pensions, and ensure they have the tools, training, and support necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The ILFOP represents thousands of active and retired law enforcement officers across the state and is a leading voice on public safety and criminal justice issues. ILFOP endorsements are based on a candidate’s demonstrated commitment to supporting law enforcement, protecting constitutional rights, and keeping communities safe.
“As State Senator, I will always back the men and women who put on the badge,” Penman added. “Illinois must restore accountability in our criminal justice system and send a clear message that we support those who protect and serve.
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 150
“The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150 is a proud labor union with a long history of representing the interests of working men and women on the job, at the bargaining table, and in the halls of government. In addition to workers’ rights, we value commitment to a strong and reliable infrastructure that supports Illinois’ economy and creates job opportunities in every industry.
IUOE Local 150 has endorsed Danielle Penman’s candidacy for Illinois State Senate, District 33 in the 2026 Primary Election.
Hardworking Illinoisans are counting on determined leaders to stand up for their rights and ensure that we have a safe infrastructure that is a strength rather than a weakness when it comes to economic activity and job creation.”
Bricklayers & Allied craftworkers, district council 1 illinois
“On behalf of the thousands of Illinois Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, I am pleased to share the Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois has endorsed Danielle Penman’s campaign in the 2026 March Republican Primary Election.
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers are a skilled workforce trained in skilled labor areas of the building and construction industry. Our Council represents approximately 6,100 Union trowel trades members in our jurisdictional boundaries, including Bricklayers and Stone Masons, Ceramic Tile Layers and Ceramic Tile Finishers, Foam Insulators, Marble Setters and Marble Finishers, Mosaic Workers, Plasterers, Pointers - Cleaners &Caulkers, Precast and Concrete Specialists, Refractory, Terrazzo Mechanics and Terrazzo Finishers.
Our District Council is comprised of talented and driven members eager to demonstrate their skillset and offer the utmost in quality for relevant projects. Their success not only hinges on demonstrating aptitude but also requires strong support from elected office. We look forward to sharing priorities that impact the working families that we fiercely represent each day.”
Andrew Sosnowski, Attorney at law
Andrew Sosnowski, Attorney at Law, has endorsed Danielle Penman for Illinois Senate District 33. Andrew recognizes that Danielle is the only true conservative in this race.
“Let’s send a strong conservative voice to Springfield.”
Sue Dixon, Geneva Township Republican Chair
"I am proud to support Danielle because she understands that holding office is not about power — it is about responsibility. She respects the oath she will take, honors the Constitution, and has demonstrated the character and judgment necessary to faithfully serve the people she represents. I trust her to do what she says and to put principle above politics."
ANDRO LERARIO, KANE COUNTY GOP CHAIRMAN
“I’m proud to support Danielle Penman for State Senator. She has been an active and dedicated member of the GOP for over a decade, and she is ready to serve our district with commitment and integrity.”