At Large-Peoria City Councilman Ryan Spain is running for the Illinois House seat once David Leitch steps down. Spain announced his candidacy for the 73rd District seat Friday morning.
Leitch is currently the longest-serving member of the Illinois House Republican caucus. Spain was the youngest At-Large City Councilman to win election in Peoria’s history. Some speakers called the moment a ‘passing of the torch’ for the Republican Party. Spain thanked Leitch for his service, and says the party is at a crossroads:
“We need to rebuild the Republican Party, we need to broaden our base, we need to reach out to a new generation of Republican voters. I think I’m uniquely qualified to do that.”
Spain says his top priorities include tort reform, working compensation reform and changing the state’s pension system. Leitch endorsed Spain’s decision to run, saying Spain is already a known-quantity in Springfield:
“He went through Jim Edgar's leadership program. He’s,in his work life, had connections in Springfield. He’s already earned a reputation that is very important and will serve him well.”
Spain currently works for OSF Healthcare System with Government Relations. He says he also wants to reform the state’s Medicaid system to bring cost savings more in-line with surrounding states. Spain also says he hasn't decided yet on Governor Bruce Rauner's push for right-to-work areas across the state.