Background
Eric Su earned a high school diploma from Glenbard East High School and a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 1999. His career experience includes working in healthcare.[1]
- Bachelor's:
- Purdue University, 1999
- High school:
- Glenbard East High School
In their own words
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I am a small business owner, community fitness professional, and father running for the Illinois House of Representatives in District 21. For more than 20 years, I have worked as a coach and entrepreneur, building my business from the ground up and serving families, seniors, and working professionals throughout our community. That experience has given me firsthand insight into the challenges residents face—rising property taxes, increasing costs of living, regulatory burdens, and concerns about public safety.
As a small business owner, I understand how state policy decisions directly affect jobs, investment, and household stability. When taxes and costs rise, families and small operators feel it immediately. That is why I believe government must prioritize fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and policies that keep Illinois competitive and affordable.
As a father, I am focused on ensuring our neighborhoods are safe, our schools are strong, and our communities remain places where families can build long-term stability. My approach to leadership is grounded in discipline, accountability, and listening. Coaching has taught me that progress comes from consistency and practical solutions—not political rhetoric.
I am running to bring real-world experience, responsible decision-making, and community-focused leadership to Springfield.
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?
Affordability that works for real families
The cost of living is squeezing working families, seniors, and small businesses. I’m running to push back on higher taxes, rising fees, and everyday costs—so people in District 21 can stay, work, and retire in the communities they love.Public safety and accountability, without political extremes
Our neighborhoods deserve to feel safe and supported. I believe in smart, practical public safety policies that support law enforcement, demand accountability, and keep violent crime off our streets—without turning public safety into a political talking point.Local leadership, not career politics
I’m a small business owner and coach, not a career politician. I show up, listen, and solve problems. District 21 deserves a representative who understands real life, works across differences, and puts the community first—not party agendas.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am most passionate about affordability, public safety, and strengthening opportunities for working families and small businesses. I believe state government must prioritize fiscal responsibility, control costs, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens so families can stay and thrive in their communities.
I am also focused on practical public safety policies that keep neighborhoods secure while ensuring accountability. Strong communities depend on economic stability, safe streets, and policies that support long-term growth.
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
United Hellenic Voters Of America
Note: Su submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on February 27, 2026.
Show past responsesHide past responses
January 31 submission
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Eric Su is a small business owner, community fitness trainer, and public service advocate running for the Illinois House of Representatives in District 21. He has over 20 years of professional experience in fitness, coaching, and entrepreneurship, and currently operates a mobile training business serving families and older adults across West Cook County. Su has been actively involved in local civic events and community initiatives and is focused on affordability, public safety, and strengthening support for working families and small businesses.
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?
Affordability that works for real families
The cost of living is squeezing working families, seniors, and small businesses. I’m running to push back on higher taxes, rising fees, and everyday costs—so people in District 21 can stay, work, and retire in the communities they love.Public safety and accountability, without political extremes
Our neighborhoods deserve to feel safe and supported. I believe in smart, practical public safety policies that support law enforcement, demand accountability, and keep violent crime off our streets—without turning public safety into a political talking point.Local leadership, not career politics
I’m a small business owner and coach, not a career politician. I show up, listen, and solve problems. District 21 deserves a representative who understands real life, works across differences, and puts the community first—not party agendas.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am most passionate about affordability, public safety, and supporting working families and small businesses. Too many residents are being priced out of their own communities, so I am focused on policies that control taxes and fees, reduce everyday costs, and keep Illinois affordable for families and seniors. I also believe public safety should be practical and nonpolitical—supporting law enforcement, strengthening community safety, and ensuring accountability. Finally, as a small business owner, I am committed to cutting red tape, expanding workforce opportunities, and making government more responsive to the people it serves.
December 17 submission
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?
Affordability and Public Safety
My priority is making life more affordable and communities safer for families in the 21st District. Rising costs, high property taxes, and public safety concerns strain working households. I support responsible budgeting, transparency in state spending, and protecting essential services. Public safety should be practical and community-focused—supporting law enforcement, accountability, and proven prevention strategies. Families deserve neighborhoods where they feel secure and a government that respects taxpayers while delivering reliable results.Health, Prevention, and Quality of Life
Health is both a personal and economic issue. I support policies that prioritize prevention, wellness, and access to mental and physical healthcare. My Department of Happiness proposal focuses on proactive solutions—community fitness, mental health resources, nutrition education, and social connection—to reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve quality of life. Investing in prevention strengthens families, lowers public spending over time, and builds healthier, more resilient communities across the 21st District.Accountable, Responsive Government
Voters deserve representatives who listen and deliver. I believe in transparent, ethical, and accessible government that stays connected to constituents year-round. I support reducing waste, cutting unnecessary red tape, and focusing on solutions that work in the real world. My approach is practical and independent—working with anyone, across party lines, to deliver results that benefit the 21st District.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am most passionate about policies that improve quality of life for working families—public safety, affordability, health, and accountable government. I strongly support preventive health and wellness initiatives that reduce long-term healthcare costs and strengthen communities, including my Department of Happiness concept focused on mental health, fitness, nutrition, and social connection. I am also committed to fiscally responsible governance, ethical leadership, and practical solutions that put residents first. Government should be measured by outcomes that make everyday life safer, healthier, and more affordable for the people it serves.
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
Illinois Policy, Robert Kelsey Jr.
On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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