Upcoming events.
Pretzel City Brewfest
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate at Freeport’s Brewfest!
I’m looking forward to spending the day at Freeport’s annual Brewfest downtown, enjoying local craft beers, great food, and live music with friends and neighbors. Events like this bring our community together and showcase the best of what Freeport has to offer. If you see me there, be sure to stop and say hello – I always appreciate the chance to hear your thoughts and talk about how we can build a stronger future for District 45.
Vines & Vision - Fundraising Event
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon among the vines at the stunning Massbach Ridge Winery as we gather to support Joshua T. Atkinson, Republican candidate for Illinois Senate District 45.
Filing Day
First day to file nomination papers for established party candidates for the 2026 General Primary Election.
First Day to Submit Vote by Mail Applications for the General Primary Election
First day to apply for a vote by mail ballot for the 2026 General Primary Election. Please note that election authorities will not begin mailing ballots until Thursday, February 5, 2026.
2026 Republican Primary Election
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate – Republican Primary Election
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Republican voters across District 45 will head to the polls for the Illinois Republican Primary—the first step in selecting our candidates for the November general election. I hope you’ll join me in exercising our civic duty and making your voice heard.
Your vote this March isn’t just about choosing candidates—it’s about shaping the future of our community and ensuring that District 45 is well‑represented. If you see me at your polling place or around the community that day, please stop and say hello. I’d love to hear your thoughts and share how we can continue moving forward together.
2026 Illinois General Election
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Illinois State Senate – November 3, 2026 General Election
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters across Illinois will head to the polls for the General Election. I am honored to be running to represent District 45 in the Illinois State Senate. This election is our chance to choose leadership that reflects our values, brings integrity to Springfield, and works every day for the people of our district.
I hope you’ll join me in making your voice heard this November. If you see me out in the community or at your polling place, please stop and say hello – I always value the opportunity to hear your thoughts on how we can build a stronger future together for District 45.
Coffee with the Candidate - Pecatonica
Coffee with the Candidate
☕ Come for the coffee. Stay for the conversation.
Joshua T. Atkinson, Republican candidate for Illinois State Senate in District 45, believes that if you’re asking for someone’s vote—you should be willing to look them in the eye and earn it.
That’s why Josh is hitting the road across Northwestern Illinois for his Coffee with the Candidate tour. Every Monday morning, he’ll be visiting coffee shops and cafés throughout the district, creating an open and welcoming space for real conversations with real people.
No scripts. No stage. Just Josh, a cup of coffee, and your voice.
Josh isn’t running to talk at you—he’s running to listen to you.
What issues matter most to you and your family?
What challenges is your community facing?
What kind of future do you want to see for Northwestern Illinois?
While some politicians hide behind press releases, talking points, and culture war distractions, Josh is showing up—face to face, cup in hand—ready to do the work and fight for the future of this district.
So come on by. Ask your questions. Share your concerns. Be heard.
And if you like what you hear, join the growing movement to send a real Republican fighter to Springfield.
🗓️ Every Monday Morning
📍 Rotating coffee shops throughout District 45
📣 Open to all. No RSVP required.
📌 Follow us for dates and locations:
www.AtkinsonforSenate.com
Signature Sprint - Oneco
🚨 Signature Sprint: ONECO, IL
Help Put Joshua T. Atkinson on the Ballot to Challenge MAGA Extremist Andrew Chesney
The race for Illinois Senate District 45 starts NOW — and we need your help to make sure voters have a real choice in 2026.
Joshua T. Atkinson, U.S. Navy veteran and real Republican, is running to bring common-sense leadership back to Springfield. But before he can take on Andrew Chesney, we need 3,000 petition signatures in just under 3 months — and every one counts.
📍 Meet-Up Location:
N Briggs Rd, Orangeville, IL 61060
🗓️ Date: Saturday, August 23th
🕠 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Here’s how you can help:
✅ SIGN Josh’s petition to help get him on the ballot
✅ WALK the community with the campaign team collecting signatures
✅ BRING FRIENDS – Must be 18+ and registered to vote in Illinois
Whether you can stay for 30 minutes or two hours, your support makes a difference. Let’s knock doors, earn signatures, and send a message: District 45 deserves better than political games and MAGA extremes.
Step up. Show up. Sign on.
We’ll see you in Oneco!
Coffee with the Candidate - Lena
Coffee with the Candidate
☕ Come for the coffee. Stay for the conversation.
Joshua T. Atkinson, Republican candidate for Illinois State Senate in District 45, believes that if you’re asking for someone’s vote—you should be willing to look them in the eye and earn it.
That’s why Josh is hitting the road across Northwestern Illinois for his Coffee with the Candidate tour. Every Monday morning, he’ll be visiting coffee shops and cafés throughout the district, creating an open and welcoming space for real conversations with real people.
No scripts. No stage. Just Josh, a cup of coffee, and your voice.
Josh isn’t running to talk at you—he’s running to listen to you.
What issues matter most to you and your family?
What challenges is your community facing?
What kind of future do you want to see for Northwestern Illinois?
While some politicians hide behind press releases, talking points, and culture war distractions, Josh is showing up—face to face, cup in hand—ready to do the work and fight for the future of this district.
So come on by. Ask your questions. Share your concerns. Be heard.
And if you like what you hear, join the growing movement to send a real Republican fighter to Springfield.
🗓️ Every Monday Morning
📍 Rotating coffee shops throughout District 45
📣 Open to all. No RSVP required.
📌 Follow us for dates and locations:
www.AtkinsonforSenate.com
Dog & Pony Car Show
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate at the Dog & Pony Car Show!
I’m looking forward to spending time at the Dog & Pony Car Show, celebrating the creativity, dedication, and passion our community brings to these incredible vehicles. It’s always a great day at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds to connect with friends and neighbors while appreciating classic cars and local talent. If you see me there, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello – I’d love to catch up and hear your thoughts on how we can keep District 45 moving forward together.
Signature Sprint - Galena
🚨 Signature Sprint: Galena
Help Put Joshua T. Atkinson on the Ballot to Challenge MAGA Extremist Andrew Chesney
The race for Illinois Senate District 45 starts NOW — and we need your help to make sure voters have a real choice in 2026.
Joshua T. Atkinson, U.S. Navy veteran and real Republican, is running to bring common-sense leadership back to Springfield. But before he can take on Andrew Chesney, we need 3,000 petition signatures in just under 3 months — and every one counts.
📍 Meet-Up Location:
Grant Park
Gazebo
625 Park Ave, Galena, IL 61036
🗓️ Date: Saturday, August 16th
🕠 Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎉 Then join us at Blaum Bros. Public House to celebrate a job well done.
Here’s how you can help:
✅ SIGN Josh’s petition to help get him on the ballot
✅ WALK the community with the campaign team collecting signatures
✅ BRING FRIENDS – Must be 18+ and registered to vote in Illinois
Whether you can stay for 30 minutes or two hours, your support makes a difference. Let’s knock doors, earn signatures, and send a message: District 45 deserves better than political games and MAGA extremes.
Step up. Show up. Sign on.
We’ll see you in Galena!
St. John UCC Ice Cream Social
St. John UCC Ice Cream Social
Joshua T. Atkinson will be joining friends and neighbors at the St. John UCC Ice Cream Social to support this great community tradition. Events like this bring people together, strengthen bonds, and celebrate small-town spirit. If you’re there, be sure to say hello and take a moment to get to know Josh.
Come enjoy an evening of good food and fellowship: BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, pasta salad, and drinks—plus cake, pie, and ice cream to top it off!
Winnebago County Fair
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate at the Winnebago County Fair!
I’ll be at the Winnebago County Fair this week, enjoying the exhibits, livestock shows, and all the traditions that make this fair such an important part of our community. If you’re attending, I hope you’ll stop and say hello when you see me out enjoying the day. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear your thoughts and talk about how we can build a stronger future together for District 45.
Coffee with the Candidate - Freeport
Coffee with the Candidate
☕ Come for the coffee. Stay for the conversation.
Joshua T. Atkinson, Republican candidate for Illinois State Senate in District 45, believes that if you’re asking for someone’s vote—you should be willing to look them in the eye and earn it.
That’s why Josh is hitting the road across Northwestern Illinois for his Coffee with the Candidate tour. Every Monday morning, he’ll be visiting coffee shops and cafés throughout the district, creating an open and welcoming space for real conversations with real people.
No scripts. No stage. Just Josh, a cup of coffee, and your voice.
Josh isn’t running to talk at you—he’s running to listen to you.
What issues matter most to you and your family?
What challenges is your community facing?
What kind of future do you want to see for Northwestern Illinois?
While some politicians hide behind press releases, talking points, and culture war distractions, Josh is showing up—face to face, cup in hand—ready to do the work and fight for the future of this district.
So come on by. Ask your questions. Share your concerns. Be heard.
And if you like what you hear, join the growing movement to send a real Republican fighter to Springfield.
🗓️ Every Monday Morning
📍 Rotating coffee shops throughout District 45
📣 Open to all. No RSVP required.
📌 Follow us for dates and locations:
www.AtkinsonforSenate.com
Signature Sprint - Orangeville
🚨 Signature Sprint: Orangeville Knock & Walk
Help Put Joshua T. Atkinson on the Ballot to Challenge MAGA Extremist Andrew Chesney
The race for Illinois Senate District 45 starts NOW — and we need your help to make sure voters have a real choice in 2026.
Joshua T. Atkinson, U.S. Navy veteran and real Republican, is running to bring common-sense leadership back to Springfield. But before he can take on Andrew Chesney, we need 3,000 petition signatures in just under 3 months — and every one counts.
📍 Meet-Up Location:
Orangeville Junior/Senior High School
East Parking Lot (next to the baseball diamonds)
201 S. Orange Street, Orangeville, IL
🗓️ Date: Friday, August 8th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
🎉 Then join us at High Noon Saloon to celebrate a job well done.
Here’s how you can help:
✅ SIGN Josh’s petition to help get him on the ballot
✅ WALK the community with the campaign team collecting signatures
✅ BRING FRIENDS – Must be 18+ and registered to vote in Illinois
Whether you can stay for 30 minutes or two hours, your support makes a difference. Let’s knock doors, earn signatures, and send a message: District 45 deserves better than political games and MAGA extremes.
Step up. Show up. Sign on.
We’ll see you in Orangeville!
Petition Circulation Begins for the General Primary Election
First day to circulate petitions for established party candidates seeking nomination in the 2026 General Primary Election.
https://www.atkinsonforsenate.com/petition
4-H Horse Show
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate at the 4-H Horse Show!
I’m excited to attend the 4-H Horse Show at the Winnebago Fairgrounds, supporting the dedication and hard work of our local youth. These events highlight the values of responsibility, perseverance, and community that make District 45 strong. If you see me there, be sure to stop and say hello – I’d love to hear what’s important to you as we work together for a better future.
Jo Daviess County Fair
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate at the Jo Daviess County Fair!
I’m looking forward to spending time at the Jo Daviess County Fair, celebrating one of the oldest fairs in Illinois and all the traditions that make this community special. I always enjoy watching the livestock shows and grabbing a funnel cake while I’m there. If you see me enjoying the fair, please stop and say hello – I always value hearing your thoughts on how we can build a stronger future together for District 45.
Ogle County Fair
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate at the Ogle County Fair!
I’m excited to spend time at the Ogle County Fair this week, enjoying the rides, livestock shows, and all the family fun that makes this fair such a great tradition in our community. I’m especially looking forward to checking out the tractor pulls and grabbing a corn dog while I’m there. If you see me out and about, be sure to stop and say hello – I always appreciate the chance to hear your thoughts and talk about how we can keep District 45 strong and moving forward together.
Lincoln's Disunion Speech (169th Anniversary)
Doors open at 6:00 PM and guests can browse the posters and discuss the long-term goals of Grant's Church, through its association with the Driftless Rivers Coalition. From 6PM to 7PM you are welcome to ask questions or simply follow the sequence of posters that will be set up around the fellowship hall.
The two presentations will take place at 7:00 PM. The first presentation will be 15 minutes long and will explain how Grant's Church is being developed as an "engagement engine" for social justice activism.
The second presentation will be by Lester Leavitt and will be about 45 minutes long. It will explain the reasoning behind the Driftless Rivers Coaltion Super PAC, and why this endeavor will be critical in shaping rural revitalization and development up and down the Mississippi River, from the Twin Cities to the Quad Cities.
There will be refreshments "mocktails" on the main floor in the fellowship hall following the presenations, when your questions will be answered. The "mocktail bar" tasting competition will go until 9:00 PM. Guests can buy drink tokens for $4, or 3 drink tokens for $10.
Stephenson County Fair
Join Joshua T. Atkinson for Senate at the Stephenson County Fair!
I’ll be spending time at the Stephenson County Fair this week, enjoying everything that makes our community strong – from the hardworking local farmers and 4-H youth to the small businesses and families coming together. I’m especially looking forward to the livestock shows and fair food. If you see me out enjoying the day, please stop and say hello – I always value hearing your thoughts on how we can build a stronger future for District 45 together.