Rockford Alderman Jonathan Logemann to run for Congress in 17th District
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford Alderman Jonathan Logemann will run for Congress in Illinois’ 17th District.
The 34-year-old Democrat announced his candidacy Wednesday, saying Congress could use more “regular folks” and teachers and less “bickering and finger-pointing.”
Logemann, who represents the 2nd Ward on City Council, has spent 11 years as a teacher and is a captain in the Illinois National Guard. He teaches business and economics at Auburn High School.
“Anybody who knows me — whether it’s at Auburn High School, or in the Illinois Guard or at City Hall — they know I’m a no-nonsense, results-orientated person,” Logemann said in an interview with the Rock River Current. “That’s the type of ethics that I think is important and working in City Council right now. I want to do what I can in a role at the federal level for that kind of mission-orientated, results-first type of leadership and type of mindset.”
U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos said in April that she would not seek a sixth term in Congress. Republican Esther Joy King, who lost a race to Bustos in 2020, has said she will run again.
Logemann is the first Democrat to announce his candidacy for the seat. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara had considered a run for the seat, but said in July that he would instead remain focused on his work as mayor.
My name is Jonathan Logemann, and I’m a Democrat running for Congress in #IL17. As a teacher, alderman, veteran, and father, I know the challenges families in Illinois face every day. I’m running to do more for our communities, and I hope you’ll join me. Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/0ZurjupN7M
— Jonathan K. Logemann (@MrLogemann) October 13, 2021
Logemann was elected to the City Council in 2017 and won reelection in April. He spent one year on leave from his City Council seat when he was called to active duty in Afghanistan.
“My country and my community are very important to me,” Logemann said. “Figuring out ways we can take care of our soldiers once they return home, given my service, is also a very important issue to me.”
He also said energy policy and transportation will be key issues to tackle at the Congressional level.
“Rockford being a transportation hub I think there are a lot of excellent opportunities before us,” he said.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.
