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Illinois ballot
Photo of Gary Pierce

Gary Pierce

No party listedFirst-time candidate

Counselor

Pierce is running for his first election as Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. A Navy veteran and counselor with graduate education, he emphasizes border security, supporting impoverished communities and those struggling with addiction, and protecting civil liberties.

From the candidate’s published profile

Background

Gary Pierce served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1981. Pierce earned a high school diploma from East Aurora High School, an associate degree from Waubonsee Community College in 1984, a bachelor's degree from MacMurray College in 2005, and a graduate degree from the University of Illinois, Springfield in 2015. Pierce's career experience includes working as a counselor.[1]

Graduate:
University of Illinois, Springfield, 2015
Associates:
Waubonsee Community College, 1984
Bachelor's:
MacMurray College, 2005
High school:
East Aurora High School

In their own words

Lieutenant Governor of Illinois

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Governor of Illinois

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Addiction Counselor/Licensed Ordained Minister of the Gospel. Married to my wife for 44 years. Four adult children. Associate Degree in Political Science, Bachelor's Degree in Social work, and Masters in Human Services. Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor for 11 years. Raised by a mother who brought us up North to Illinois 62 years ago for a better opportunity, not for a change of scenery. I have been involved in politics as a Campaign Coordinator in the 1984 Presidential election. I have served as an election judge in several elections. Precinct Committeeman for 10 years, and a Poll watcher. I have registered over 500 people to vote throughout my career in politics. I have run for office as a school board candidate, and State Representative in 2016. I attempted to form a party called the "JOBS PARTY" in 2014. I ran as a write-in candidate for State Representative in 2018.

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?

Secure Borders. A sovereign nation must maintain order at its boundaries to protect its citizens. Establish fair immigration policies that serve the American people, prioritize American employment and protect working-class wages,Lift up Communities. True progress is measured by how we support those who have been left behind. Focus public policy on empowering impoverished areas and helping those struggling with addiction and hardship.Civil Liberties. Fundamental rights are inherent to every individual and must never be traded for security. Restore and protect freedom of speech and fundamental civil rights from government and corporate overreach.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healing the current divide in politics and racism.

Gary Pierce did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

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