Judy Bowlby

Judy Bowlby earned a high school diploma from Cerro Gordo High School and a graduate degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1979. Her career experience includes working in government affairs.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up on my aunt and uncle’s farm in Central Illinois in the small town of Cerro Gordo, helping with livestock, walking the bean fields, and detasseling corn. After high school, I graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. While in college, I traveled with both the Illinois and American Soybean Associations as a goodwill ambassador educating the public, government leaders and international ambassadors and the community about the nutritional benefits of the soybean and farmers’ ability to feed the world. After college, as a mental health counselor in central Illinois, I helped people who were facing life issues such as anxiety, depression, drug addiction, PTSD and loneliness.

I went into a new field in my late 20s as a pharmaceutical representative, calling on local pharmacies, doctors and teaching institutions (U of I and SIU) in Central Illinois. In addition to sales, I provided educational symposiums to the local medical community. In my mid 30s, I became a Government Affairs Manager and for the next 25 years represented pharmaceutical/biotech/medical/dental companies. I have a proven record working with both Republicans and Democrats to compromise and pass legislation and policy that expanded access to healthcare on behalf of the people of Illinois. I have worked with associations, advocacy groups, and the people of Illinois to message to our political parties what we need to “get the job done.”

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?

Constituents in the 15th district are struggling to pay for everyday necessities, facing job loss, stagnant wages, and instability in the healthcare, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. The district represents 31% of Illinois’ total agricultural sales and farmers are facing another difficult season due to tariff policy and high production costs. We are facing a crisis with hospital closures and provider shortages leading to reduced access to care and worse outcomes. Manufacturing, the second largest employment sector, has been impacted due to volatile tariffs and supply chain chaos leading to reduced investment and hiring. This district needs someone who will first show up, focus on these issues, and fight for the middle class.The first and most effective way to bring immediate relief to the people in the district would be to request Community Project Funding for communities and initiatives throughout the district. This is the most pressing issue that is being ignored by the current office holder. These funds can be used by communities for updating and improving water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, roads, bridges, resources for fire departments, public safety and infrastructure needs. I would immediately apply for Community Project Funding and begin to distribute the millions of dollars the district has been entitled to but not receiving for almost 6 years thus saving local tax dollars from being spent on federal eligible projects.We must learn to see one another as Americans first before party. We must learn again to listen, share our experiences and compromise for a common cause. For 30 years in Government Affairs, I collaborated with both Republicans and Democrats to co-sponsor and pass legislation benefiting Illinois residents. My efforts also involved coordinating advocacy groups, associations, and citizens—including high-profile supporters like Muhammad Ali—to testify before committees. I expanded a healthcare program to cover Parkinson’s Disease and four other conditions which became law in Illinois and was later adopted by 10 other states. These collaborations show that results are possible when Congress members prioritize serving people over party interests.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Obviously because of my passion about the farm and my government experience in healthcare, I would like to have a seat on the Ag and Healthcare Committees. My national and international experience with the Soybean Association, my proven record of working with both parties to expanded access to healthcare with the cooperation of advocacy and association support has benefited the people of Illinois and other states. I understand the challenges of getting good legislation passed when the parties are so polarized and I have experience breaking the gridlock for the benefit of the voters.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Chicago Tribune endorsement for Congressional House of Representative 15th district for Illinois over incumbent Mary Miller and other challenger Ryan Tebrugge. The paper published their endorsement on 02/05/2026.