DIXON – City of Dixon Mayor Liandro “Li” Arellano, Jr. announced his candidacy in the Republican primary for State Representative in Illinois’ newly redrawn 74^th Legislative District. State Representative Tom Demmer was mapped into the 74^th District, but has announced he will be forgoing re-election to instead run for State Treasurer. The Primary Election will be held on June 28, 2022.

Arellano is a combat Veteran and small business owner who successfully ran for mayor of Dixon after the massive $54 million corruption of Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell was exposed. Arellano and an all-new council took over in 2015 and immediately implemented a “100 Day Agenda” that laid out top priorities. In the years since, they have set up a new form of government (approved via voter referendum), improved financial oversight, restructured or eliminated positions and departments, and implemented new infrastructure goals. They did this while capping property taxes at inflation, getting pension debt under control, and resisting new taxes.

“Many politicians talk about the need to fight corruption and implement spending reforms. I’ve actually done it, and that’s exactly what Springfield needs,” he said.

As a businessman and entrepreneur, Arellano understands how problems in state policy make Illinois a challenging place to run a company and create jobs.

“I’m going to Springfield to address stifling bureaucracy and high property taxes. I’ve seen the damage they cause, both as a businessman and as a mayor,” said Arellano.

He cited high taxes, government corruption and rising crime rates as issues that he wants to tackle immediately in Springfield. His long-term goals include addressing pension debt and reducing property taxes by eliminating unfunded mandates on local governments.

Arellano also has considerable military experience. He has served his country with honor during three overseas deployments as an Army Engineer, including two in the Iraq combat zone. He believes the courage and values he gained in the military will serve him well in Springfield.

“My military leadership and combat experience made me into the strong leader our district deserves down in Springfield,” said Arellano. “I cannot be intimated, I cannot be bought, and I am a fighter who is truly passionate about battling corruption. We need fiscal responsibility and true reform so that our children do not inherit the financial and ethical mess we currently have in Springfield.”

Arellano and his high school sweetheart, Jamie, have four children ranging in age from 3 to 11. He describes them as his motivation for his public service. He and his wife own Jimmy John’s restaurants in Dixon and Rock Falls, and he is also the majority owner of the Frosted Spoon Frozen Yogurt in Rock Falls.

The new 74^th legislative district will include parts of Lee, Whiteside, Ogle, DeKalb, and LaSalle counties.