David Friess

David Friess is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, currently serving the 115th district. He has been in office since January 13, 2021, after winning a competitive election against the appointed Democratic incumbent. His legislative work focuses on various issues pertinent to his constituents in the Metro East region of Illinois.

Early life and career

David Friess was born and raised in Southern Illinois, specifically in the city of Chester. He completed his secondary education at Chester High School, where he graduated before embarking on a career in the military. Shortly after high school, Friess enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an aircraft mechanic. His commitment to military service continued after his active duty, as he joined the Air Force Reserves. In this capacity, he worked as a flight engineer and crew chief for the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. During his time in the reserves, he participated in the Gulf War, contributing to U.S. military efforts during a significant conflict.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Friess transitioned to civilian life and briefly worked for Delta Air Lines in Atlanta as an aircraft mechanic. His career path then led him to pursue higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mercer University, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. His legal education has equipped him with a strong foundation in law, which he has applied in his professional life. Friess is also an active member of the Randolph County Bar Association, indicating his ongoing involvement in the legal community.

Legislative service

David Friess began his political career with an initial run for the Illinois House of Representatives in the 2018 election for the 116th district. In this election cycle, he ran unopposed in the Republican primary. However, he faced a challenging general election against the incumbent Democratic representative, Jerry Costello II. Despite a vigorous campaign, Friess was not successful in this bid, losing by an 8-point margin.

In 2020, the political landscape shifted when Jerry Costello was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to serve as the director of law enforcement for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Following this appointment, Nathan Reitz was appointed to fill the remainder of Costello's term. Recognizing an opportunity, Friess decided to run again for the 116th district. He entered a crowded Republican primary, competing against David Holder, a CPA and governmental auditor, and Kevin Schmidt, a chiropractor. Friess secured the Republican nomination with a plurality of the votes, achieving 41.51%.

In the general election, Friess faced off against the appointed incumbent Nathan Reitz. This time, he significantly improved upon his previous electoral performance, winning the election by a substantial margin of 30 points. His victory marked a notable shift in representation for the district and established him as a prominent figure within the Illinois Republican Party.

Since taking office, Friess has been involved in various legislative committees. As of July 3, 2022, he serves on several committees, including the Appropriations - Public Safety Committee, the Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee, the Judiciary - Criminal Committee, the Natural Gas Subcommittee, the Public Utilities Committee, and the State Government Administration Committee. His participation in these committees reflects his engagement with a range of issues affecting his constituents and the state of Illinois.

Policy focus and district

David Friess represents the 115th district of Illinois, which is situated in the Metro East region. This district encompasses a diverse array of communities, including Baldwin, Cahokia, Chester, Columbia, and several others. The district's composition reflects a mix of urban and rural areas, each with unique needs and concerns. As a legislator, Friess is tasked with addressing the interests of this varied constituency.

His policy focus is likely influenced by his background and experiences, particularly his military service and legal education. While specific legislative initiatives or positions taken by Friess are not detailed, his committee assignments suggest an interest in public safety, education, and utility regulation. These areas are critical to the well-being of his constituents and the overall functioning of the state government.

In addition to his legislative duties, Friess is actively involved in his local community. He resides in Red Bud, Illinois, with his wife, Miki, and their two children. His commitment to family is further demonstrated through his role as a youth sports coach, where he engages with children in recreational activities. Friess is also a member of Ebenezer Church in Rockwood, Illinois, as well as local veterans' organizations such as the Red Bud VFW and the Chester American Legion. His involvement in these organizations highlights his dedication to community service and support for veterans.

In summary, David Friess is a Republican state legislator with a background in military service and law. His electoral journey reflects a commitment to public service, and his current legislative role allows him to address the needs of the 115th district in Illinois. Through his committee work and community involvement, Friess continues to engage with the issues that matter to his constituents.