North Cook News

Charles Hutchinson, a candidate for the 18th District State Representative, is aligning himself as an Independent Republican. Hutchinson recently expressed his commitment to unity and prioritizing people over party politics.

“What makes me an Independent Republican is that I am not owned by any special interest group, nor am I controlled by any man,” Hutchinson said on Facebook. “I am the candidate who is willing to accept good ideas from Democrats (when they have them) as well as good ideas from Republicans (when they have them).”

“’A man may do an immense deal of good, if he does not care who gets the credit for it.”

According to Hutchinson, his core values as an Independent Republican revolve around Republican ideals such as "Freedom, Equality, Opportunity, Limited Government, Low Taxes, and the belief in the Right of all People to be Exceptional." He pledged to actively listen to diverse voices and ideas while remaining outside echo chambers. His approach involves asking questions, employing critical thinking and prioritizing people over party allegiance. By advocating for common interests over special interests, Hutchinson aims to elevate collective well-being above partisan considerations.

Hutchinson’s comments come in the wake of GOP infighting, notably observed during the 2022 election cycle when former House Minority Leader Jim Durkin supported Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, a lifelong Democrat, as the GOP nominee for governor over conservative Darren Bailey, according to Peoria Standard. This internal division drew criticism, with accusations that GOP House leadership depleted campaign reserves by supporting candidates in primary campaigns against conservative reformers. Durkin’s endorsement of selected primary candidates, coupled with financial backing, triggered discontent among conservatives. The failure of the Irvin gubernatorial campaign prompted scrutiny of the GOP House leadership, ultimately leading to Durkin’s resignation as House Minority Leader after the 2022 General Election.

By mid-2023, an Illinois coalition of 80,000 conservative grassroots activists called for the removal of Don Tracy as the chairman of the state's Republican Party. The Chicago City Wire reported that an open letter outlined a "no confidence" motion against Tracy, citing Democratic gains, party infighting and a lack of support for conservative grassroots efforts. Hutchinson's Independent Republican approach aligns with a growing sentiment for unity and a departure from divisive party politics, indicating a potentially transformative shift in the state's political landscape.

In addition to being a candidate, Hutchinson is also a Wilmette lawyer who has established strong community ties through various roles. He has served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission and is currently a Board member for the Wilmette Theatre. As detailed on his website, his candidacy is driven by a shared goal of strengthening community bonds and advocating key issues such as parental rights, education, neighborhood safety and tax reduction.

The 18th District encompasses north Cook County communities including Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka and Glencoe. The incumbent is Robyn Gabel (R-Evanston), who took office in 2010 and is nearing the end of her current term set to conclude on Jan. 8, 2025. Ballotpedia reports that Gabel is seeking re-election to continue representing the district in the Illinois House of Representatives.