David Mathis

David Mathis was born in Chicago, Illinois. He spent nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps and 14 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. His career experience includes working as a security professional. Mathis has been affiliated with the American Legion.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm David Mathis and I'm running to bring honest leadership, common sense and accountability back to Springfield. I've lived and worked in this community for years, and I understand the challenges families, seniors and small businesses face every day.I'm not a career politician, I'm a neighbor & a retired veteran that believes government should serve the people, not the other way around. That means lowering the tax burden, supporting safe neighborhoods, improving education & restoring fiscal responsibility to our state government.I decided to run because I'm tired of seeing families overtaxed, public safety ignored & state leaders forgetting who they're supposed to represent. I believe we deserve better and I'm ready to fight for the people of our district.This campaign isn't about me - it's about us and about making Illinois a place where opportunity & freedom are restored for everyone.

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?

Restore Fiscal Responsibility

- Fight wasteful spending and oppose unsubstantiated tax hikes.

- Protect working families' wallets and make government accountable.Put Public Safety First

- Support law enforcement and first responders.

- Work to keep our neighborhoods safe and strong.Give the People a Voice

- Listen to residents, not special interests.

- Bring transparency and common sense back to Springfield.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I've lived here long enough to see the impact of Springfield's wasteful spending. Families & small businesses are being crushed under higher & higher taxes, while politicians give themselves a pay raise. I've had neighbors tell me they're thinking of moving out of Illinois because they just can't afford to stay. That's not just numbers on a page- that's people's lives being uprooted.

I'm running because I believe families deserve better. We need a government that respects taxpayers, that spends wisely & that makes it possible for people to build a future right here in Illinois. Fiscal responsibility isn't just a policy for me - it's personal.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe elected officials should be held to the highest standards. For me, that starts with honesty & integrity - keeping promises & always doing what's right for the people I serve. I believe in accountability & transparency, because government should answer to taxpayers, not special needs.

Most importantly, I believe public office is about service. That means listening to the community, respecting every voice and making decisions with courage & common sense. These are the principles I will carry with me every day as your State Senator.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I can remember was the Challenger explosion. I was just a kid in grade school, but I'll never forget the feeling of watching something so filled with so much hope & promise end in tragedy. That moment stuck with me. It taught me at a young age that life can change in an instant, but it also reminded me of the importance of perseverance - of continuing to push forward even when things are hard. That's a lesson I carry with me to this day and along with the experience I had while serving in military; it's why I believe leadership means being prepared, staying resilient and never giving up on the people you serve.