Regan Deering

Regan Deering was born in Illinois. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Duke University in 1997 and a Master of Education degree from DePaul University in 2004.[1][2] Her career experience includes working as an elementary school science teacher and a franchise owner for a Huntington Learning Center location.[3][4] Deering is an heir to the Archer-Daniels-Midland company.[5]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm running because I fear for my three kids' future in Illinois. As a former small business owner, I intimately understand how lower taxes and government reform can unleash prosperity for all. My adoption at birth into a loving family fuels my unwavering commitment to protecting the unborn and supporting parents facing an unplanned pregnancy. I served as the volunteer Chair of the Decatur Public School Foundation, oversaw the building of a new community food bank, and currently sit on my local school board, where I bring her passion for ensuring every child has access to an excellent education.

I am a lifelong resident of the area and, along with her husband Brian, are devoted parents to three children. They are members of the Holy Family Catholic Church.

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?

I'm running because I fear for my three kids' futures in Illinois. Families here pay some of the highest taxes in the nation. They struggle to find quality education for their children and live in communities plagued by violence. The Democratic leadership in power is more focused on advancing their extreme liberal agenda than solving these pressing issues.I am an educator and school board member who prioritizes parental rights and student success. I will fight to empower families and ensure that children are provided with the education that best suits their needs.Illinois needs a new generation of conservative leaders who can bring common sense to Springfield while proudly standing up for our values and principles. I will advocate for our interests and deliver results locally.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about bringing a new generation of conservative leadership across the range of public policy issues. State Government needs courageous, principled, conservative leadership. My top priority is helping bring that to Springfield.

Illinois needs economic progress. Opportunity and growth solve so many of the problems local families face and many of the fiscal challenges our state faces. I will be a champion for small and community businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. Many local businesses are just trying to keep their doors open and serve their customers. That is why I’ll advocate for them in Springfield and fight for a fair, low tax and regulation environment where anyone with an idea and willingness to work can pursue their dream.

If we are not teaching kids to read, write, and think critically, they are not prepared to succeed in the digital global economy. Education is the bedrock of our economy and civil society, and I will fight to ensure every child has access to the best possible learning environment. That means supporting programs like the Invest in Kids Act and holding our education system accountable for its failures. We’ve seen a 60% increase in spending and a double-digit decrease in performance in some schools, and we should demand changes to improve these schools immediately.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Dan Caulkins, State Representative 88th district

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a taxpayer, homeowner, wife, mother, educator, small business owner and community advocate. My husband and I care deeply about the future of our three children and recognize that our country is at a critical point. We need a common-sense government that honors individual freedoms and the ability to create a life full of opportunity for all.

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?

Americans will not stand for an open border that weakens our national sovereignty. The Biden Administration has reversed several key components of securing our border, such as funding border walls, the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and eliminating funding for sanctuary cities. These reversals have led to a surge of migrants at our southern border. Our CPB agents are begging for additional resources to help them do their job. Open borders lead to illegal drugs and an increase in human trafficking. While I am pro-legal immigration, we must secure our borders and put Americans first.Government spending, taxation, and inflation will be my top priorities when elected to Congress. It is time we empower our workforce with opportunities and resources to provide more for our community and their families without government reliance. The current administration’s continued attack on the private sector needs to end not only for the workforce but the supply chain as well. Small business owners are the backbone of this economy, and they are being told every day by the government how to run their businesses. Government should get out of the way of the American people to allow for the entrepreneurial spirit that we know exists in every American to shine through. While in Congress, I will work every day to make sure small businessesThe increase in crime in our communities is unacceptable. There seems to be an effort to make lawless criminals the victims and downplay the key role of our law enforcement officers. Americans need to stand alongside our brave men and women in uniform. Radical legislation, such as no cash bail policies, directly corresponds to an increase in the crime rate, especially among repeat offenders. We must begin operating under the general agreement that actions have consequences.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

With experience as an educator, small business owner, and active philanthropist in Decatur – Regan is working to foster community development and individual success. Regan believes we need a common sense government that honors individual freedoms and the ability to create a life full of opportunity. Washington’s one size fits all solution to the problems facing working families in Illinois is doing more harm than good and progressive Democrats are out of control when it comes to trying to insert more government into the day-to-day lives of Illinoisans.

Campaign website

Deering's campaign website stated the following:

2nd Amendment

I sleep better at night knowing my kids are protected by my handgun, which is why I’m a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. I believe we should focus on proper gun safety and education instead of stripping citizens of their constitutional rights, such as in the case of “red-flag” laws. Likewise, I will stand strong as a proponent of both open and concealed carry laws.

Economy

Government spending, taxation, and inflation will be my top priorities when elected to Congress. It is time we empower our workforce with opportunities and resources to provide more for our community and their families without government reliance. The current administration’s continued attack on the private sector needs to end not only for the workforce but the supply chain as well.

Small business owners are the backbone of this economy, and they are being told every day by the government how to run their businesses. Government should get out of the way of the American people to allow for the entrepreneurial spirit that we know exists in every American to shine through. While in Congress, I will work every day to make sure small businesses can keep more of their hard-earned money and are allowed to grow and innovate.

It’s past time we elevate non-traditional secondary pathways. Our communities are creating incredible opportunities for students to learn a trade and contribute to our economy. I’ve seen “signing days” for workforce students just like student-athletes that spotlight the next phase of life for our high school graduates. Trades are rebuilding our country and we need to focus on the next generation of skilled workers.

Education

Our country consistently falls outside of the top 20 in the global ranking for education. Despite the human right to a free education here in the U.S., we are failing our public-school students. Our reading and math scores are unacceptable given the per-pupil dollars allocated. We must focus on equal access to early education, parental choice, and teacher training and retention. In both the classroom as an educator and as an owner of a tutoring franchise, I saw the impact of smaller class sizes, an engaging curriculum, and high-quality teachers. Our community’s success is dependent on the preparation of our children to be productive members of society and that starts with a quality education. I will work tirelessly in Congress to ensure every child receives the best education possible.

Pro-Life

I am forever grateful to have been adopted at birth by a loving and supportive family – a factor that has shaped my perspective on the pro-life stance. My birth mother made the most difficult decision and chose to give me the opportunity to live my life to the fullest. I believe that every life is essential. With the exception of risk to a mother’s life or trauma/assault, Illinois needs to stop being a gateway for easy access and on-demand abortions. I absolutely support the reinstatement of the Hyde Amendment (named for Illinois’ Rep. Henry Hyde) at the federal level, barring the use of tax-payer dollars to pay for abortions. Federal funds should be allocated to women’s health clinics across the country and perhaps be considered to support families facing increasing costs for the adoption of a child.

Election Integrity

Every voter in Illinois deserves to have their vote counted securely. We need all citizens engaged in the voting process with a focus on their confidence in the accuracy and integrity of their vote. While I agree absentee voting is an important outlet for citizens with valid excuses for missing in-person voting, I do not support universal mail-in ballots. Like most Americans, I support the policy of requiring a valid ID to vote in elections. The ultimate goal is to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat.

Border Security

Border security is community security. Americans will not stand for an open border that weakens our national sovereignty. The Biden Administration has reversed several key components of securing our border, such as funding border walls, the “Remain in Mexico” policy and eliminating funding for sanctuary cities. These reversals have led to a surge in daily encounters with migrants at our southern border. Our CPB agents are literally begging for additional resources to help them do their job. I will work against Biden’s plans of open borders because I know that leads to illegal drugs pouring into our country and an increase in human trafficking. While I am pro-legal immigration, we must secure our borders and put Americans first.

Public Safety

The increase in crime in our communities is unacceptable. There seems to be an effort to make lawless criminals the victims and downplay the key role of our law enforcement officers. Now, more than ever, Americans need to stand alongside our brave men and women in uniform. Their front-line defense keeps us all safe. Radical legislation, such as no cash bail policies directly corresponds to an increase in the crime rate, especially among repeat offenders. We must begin operating under the general agreement that actions have consequences; a mindset I will reinforce in Congress.

Agriculture

Farming is the backbone of our district and our country. I will always celebrate the American farmer, their work ethic, and the quality products they bring into our homes. However, it’s hard for the American farmer to celebrate these days, as they’re facing more challenges than ever. From trade and market access, rising input costs, and supply chain issues, to concerns over rural broadband and aging transportation infrastructure, today’s farmers need an advocate in Washington who will address their concerns and work to make their jobs easier.

Veterans

The men and women of our armed forces deserve the utmost respect. Their service and sacrifice have allowed us to live free in the United States of America and it is our responsibility to support them and their families. Heartbreaking stories of suicide, drug addiction, and PTSD are becoming too common, and we must find ways to better care for our soldiers and prioritize their access to quality healthcare. Upon returning home, it is our duty to support their re-entry into society and capitalize on their leadership skills to be used in civilian employment. Additionally, we must continue to find solutions to securing housing for our homeless veterans while connecting them with supportive services.[6]

—Regan Deering's campaign website (2022)[7]