Illinois State Senate Candidate Joshua T. Atkinson will be in Chicago for a petition objection hearing forced by Stephenson County Board Member Larry Jogerst, who signed an objection without ever obtaining or reviewing Atkinson’s petition packet. This coordinated effort appears designed to silence Republican voters, suppress their right to choose their own candidate, and protect State Senator Andrew Chesney from facing accountability at the ballot box in 2026.

Joshua is attending this hearing to defend every voter’s constitutional right to sign the petitions of whomever they choose—free from political pressure, party machines, or insider interference.

Joshua also looks forward to looking Mr. Jogerst in the eye, if he has the moral character to appear, and addressing the objections he personally signed. Real integrity requires showing up and standing behind your actions -—not running from them or hiding behind some high-dollar Chicago attorney.

This campaign will continue fighting for ballot access, voter rights, transparency, and real leadership—because the people of District 45 deserve representation that answers to them, not to political bosses or backroom deals.