Brad Beekman

Brad Beekman graduated from Astoria High School. He attended Illinois College and earned a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in 1993. His career experience includes working as a law enforcement officer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brad Beekman is a retired Master Sergeant with the Illinois State Police and a current candidate for the Illinois State Senate - District 36.

Brad graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelors Degree in Law Enforcement Administration, and went-on to work 28 years in law enforcement. In 2023, he retired from the Illinois State Police at the rank of Master Sergeant. He worked in several work units - patrol, investigations, crash reconstruction and executive protection. In addition to supervising multiple platoons on patrol, Brad served as a Detail Leader for the Executive Protection of Governor Bruce Rauner and Governor Pritzker. Brad was in charge of security at the Governor’s Mansion, the Governor’s private residence and the Governor’s Office at the Illinois Capitol Building.

Brad held several leadership positions within the State Police, including an assignment as Assistant Bureau Chief in the Firearms Services Bureau - Concealed Carry Licensing.

Brad Beekman currently resides outside of Bushnell, IL in McDonough County, with his wife and children, where they own a small farm. He has his CDL and hauls grain for himself and other farmers. Brad works part-time in the accounting department of a local bank and serves as an elected member of the Bushnell-Prairie School Board. He is active in his church - assisting with youth group activities and youth mission trips. Brad also serves on the advisory board for Cole Street Coffee House (Church Affiliated).

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A Voice for Law Enforcement - I am opposed to the SAFE-T Act and will support to have it repealed or amended. Our communities and our citizens deserved be safe.Advocate for Quality Education - I support school choice, Public Schools, Charter Schools and home schooling. Our schools deserve stable and reliable funding from state government, not local property taxes.Support Agriculture and Small Businesses - Input costs and market trades are unsustainable for farmers; regulations need lifted to support farmers growth.

Small businesses are expected to compete with large corporations under the same rules; small businesses need to be lawfully defined apart from large corporations and provided support to be successful and profitable.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Property Taxes and Energy costs - Illinois is among the highest property taxes in the country. Our property tax laws are harmful to homeowners; and in many cases, prohibit home ownership. While other states are studying the elimination of property taxes, Illinois must focus on radical property tax reform

Illinois Energy costs are unsustainable. While energy costs are rising, Illinois is tearing down power plants. Illinois must financially invest in non-renewable energy such as nuclear and coal.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Illinois Fraternal Order of Police