Meet Josh
Republican for Illinois Senate – District 45
Veteran. Business Leader. Fighter for the Forgotten.
Vote in the Republican Primary – March 17, 2026
Joshua T. Atkinson was born in the Midwest and raised by his hardworking, middle-class grandparents who adopted him at a young age. They didn’t put a silver spoon in his mouth—but they filled him with discipline, integrity, a strong work ethic, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.
He’s a proud product of public schools as well as private and military institutions. Benefiting from a well-rounded education, Joshua studied and traveled abroad—gaining global perspective on leadership, culture, and community. After college, he was called to the U.S. Navy, serving overseas, studying languages, and standing watch in defense of our country.
When his military service ended, Joshua took those same values into the business world. He managed operations across the country, from major cities to rural communities, seeing firsthand what drives economic growth—and what happens when leadership fails. Later, he transitioned from profit to purpose, serving 10 years as Vice President of a Chamber of Commerce, helping business owners, towns, and families move forward.
In 2021, Joshua and his fiancée, Michal Urban, moved to Freeport, Illinois. They bought a historic home and chose a simpler life—rooted in community, heritage, and hope.
“I didn’t come to Freeport looking for a fight. But I found one worth taking on.” – Joshua T. Atkinson
What Joshua discovered was a city—and a region—stuck in place. Not because of bad luck, but because of intentional decisions made by the powerful few. Infrastructure crumbling. Jobs disappearing. Housing neglected. Families divided. A district kept small so the connected can stay big.
Joshua T. Atkinson has accepted the call to step up and go toe to toe by primarying MAGA Loyalist Andrew Chesney—a career politician who inherited power, leveraged daddy’s money, and built a network of insiders to keep the machine running for themselves. While District 45 struggles, Chesney chases cameras, rewards friends, and grandstands in Springfield like it’s a high school debate club.
“Andy is not delivering results. He’s delivering favors. And he’s made a joke out of what public service is supposed to be.” – Joshua T. Atkinson
Joshua isn’t just running against something—he’s running for something. He believes in:
Investing in local infrastructure and modernizing rural roads, safe water systems, and broadband.
Expanding trade education and career opportunities for working-class youth.
Cutting red tape to help small businesses thrive and stay local.
Defending parental rights, protecting farms, and keeping taxes low.
Ensuring law enforcement has the tools and support they needed to serve and protect.
Defending constitutional freedoms and stopping government overreach at every level.
Holding elected officials accountable and restoring integrity to Springfield.
Joshua T. Atkinson is not a politician. He’s a veteran, a business leader, and a man who knows what transparency, accountability, and integrity look like. He’s here to continue to serve—not to play games. He’s stepping up to protect and fight for every person who calls the 45th District home.
It starts with ending the culture of political protection and pay-to-play politics.
It starts with giving power back to the people—not Chesney’s friends, donors, and family.
It starts with firing Andrew Chesney—and rebuilding District 45 with leadership that listens.
No more excuses. No more distractions. No more handouts for the privileged few.
It starts now. Vote Joshua T. Atkinson in the Republican Primary on March 17, 2026.