Brad Stephens

Brad Stephens is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 20th district. In addition to his legislative role, he is the village president of Rosemont, Illinois, a position he has held since 2007. His political career spans several decades and includes various elected and appointed roles within local government and party leadership. His family has a long-standing influence in Rosemont, with his father being a founding figure of the village.

Early life and career

Brad Stephens was born on December 7, 1963, into a family deeply entrenched in the political landscape of Rosemont, Illinois. His father, Donald Stephens, was a prominent figure in the village's history, serving as its first village president until his death in 2007. The Stephens family has maintained a significant presence in local governance, with multiple family members holding positions within the village administration. By 2010, it was reported that ten members of the family were employed by the village, collectively earning substantial salaries, and five were serving as elected officials.

Stephens' mother, Estelle “Pat” Stephens, also played a role in the family's public profile until her passing in 2020. This familial legacy likely influenced Brad's early interest in public service and politics. His own political career began in 1989 when he was elected as a village trustee in Rosemont, a position he held for 18 years. During this time, he developed a strong understanding of local governance and community needs, which would later inform his actions as village president and state representative.

In addition to his role as a village trustee, Stephens served as the Leyden Township supervisor, an elected position that allowed him to further engage with the community. He held this position until 2013, when he chose not to seek reelection. Throughout his political journey, he has also been active in the Republican Party, serving as the Leyden Township Republican Party committeeperson since 2006, a role he has been re-elected to every four years.

Legislative service

Stephens' tenure in the Illinois House of Representatives began on June 29, 2019, when he was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Michael P. McAuliffe. His appointment marked a continuation of his family's political legacy, as he stepped into a role that allowed him to influence state legislation and represent the interests of his constituents in the 20th district. In the 2020 election, he successfully won a full term in the House, solidifying his position as a state legislator.

The 20th district, which Stephens represents, encompasses a diverse array of communities, including parts of Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Rosemont, Schiller Park, Norridge, Harwood Heights, Franklin Park, and several neighborhoods in Chicago, such as Edison Park, Norwood Park, and O'Hare. Notably, Stephens is recognized as the only elected Republican official representing a significant portion of Chicago at the state level, highlighting the unique political landscape of his district.

During his time in the Illinois General Assembly, Stephens has participated in various committees that reflect his interests and the needs of his constituents. In the 101st Illinois General Assembly, he served on committees focused on elementary and secondary education, cybersecurity, data analytics, health care licenses, financial institutions, veterans' affairs, and mental health. His involvement in these committees indicates a commitment to addressing a wide range of issues affecting his district.

In the subsequent 2020–21 session, Stephens continued to serve on similar committees, maintaining his focus on education, health care, and mental health. His legislative work has included navigating the complexities of state politics, particularly in a landscape dominated by the Democratic Party. His 2020 reelection campaign was characterized by a focus on opposing the influence of Democratic political figures, specifically targeting Michael Madigan, a prominent figure in Illinois politics. Despite his Republican affiliation, Stephens faced scrutiny for his past financial contributions to Madigan, a point of contention that was raised by his opponents during the campaign.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his political career, Stephens has focused on various policy areas that reflect the needs and interests of his constituents. His role as village president of Rosemont has allowed him to implement significant developments in the community, such as the opening of the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in 2013, which has contributed to the local economy and tourism. His tenure has also been marked by efforts to attract major sports franchises to the village, including a proposal to bring the Chicago Cubs to Rosemont, which included offers of land and financial incentives. Although the Cubs ultimately decided to remain at Wrigley Field, Stephens succeeded in bringing a professional baseball stadium to the village with the establishment of Impact Field, which opened in 2018 and serves as the home for the Chicago Dogs, an independent baseball team.

In addition to his local initiatives, Stephens has been involved in broader transportation and infrastructure issues through his appointment to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority board of directors in 2018. His involvement in this board, although relatively brief, underscores his engagement with state-level infrastructure challenges.

As a legislator, Stephens has continued to advocate for policies that align with his constituents' interests, particularly in areas such as education, health care, and public safety. His participation in various committees has provided him with a platform to address these issues and contribute to the legislative process in Illinois. His unique position as a Republican representing a significant portion of Chicago allows him to bridge gaps between different political ideologies and advocate for his district's needs.

In summary, Brad Stephens' political career is characterized by a deep-rooted connection to his community and a commitment to public service. His roles as village president and state representative reflect a dedication to addressing the needs of his constituents while navigating the complexities of Illinois politics. Through his legislative work and local initiatives, he continues to shape the future of Rosemont and the surrounding areas.