By: Ashmar Mandou

Laborer for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and 29th Ward Republican Committeeman, Walter Adamczyk, 48, is running as a Republican candidate for Illinois Secretary of State and promises to bring transparency to the role. “I am in the 29th Ward listening to residents, fighting for resolutions, representing their interests,” said Candidate Adamczyk. “I will bring a new voice, not one that has been bought, a voice that will represent the people of Illinois.” Elected as 29th Ward Republican Committeeman in 2020, and again in 2024, Adamczyk states he will bring reform and fairness.

Lawndale New: What compelled you to run for Illinois Secretary of State?
Walter Adamczyk: I am running for Illinois Secretary of State because our state needs real reform. I want to restore trust and bring integrity to the office. The people of Illinois are tired of these politicians not representing their interests. There is a lack of transparency and I intend on bringing fairness to the office that affects every Illinoisan every day, such as driver’s licenses to voting access. Being a committeeman in the 29th Ward gave me a tremendous experience to champion on behalf of the residents on such a grassroots level. I believe the Illinois Secretary of State’s should serve the people of Illinois –not political insiders or well-connected elites. I’m running to cut bureaucracy, improve DMV service, and strengthen voter access and system integrity.

LN: What issues will you tackle in your first year, if elected?
WA: My top policy priority is modernizing and financially reforming the Secretary of State’s office so it delivers better service without asking taxpayers for more. Right now, outdated systems and inefficiencies cost Illinois resident’s time and money. In the next year, I will push for a full operational and financial audit of the office, followed by targeted investments in modern technology that reduce long-term costs, cut wait times, and eliminate redundant processes. Modernization should save money, not waste it. I will also prioritize veterans’ service reforms, including Free State IDs and driver’s licenses for honorably discharged veterans and guaranteed express service. These are practical, affordable initiatives that show respect while improving how the entire system functions.

LN: Why should people vote for you?
WA: We have pressing issues facing Illinois residents and right now there is a lack of trust and efficiency. For too many people, something as simple as renewing a license, registering a vehicle, or getting accurate information turns into hours of waiting, confusion, and frustration. I promise to work on behalf of the families, seniors, small businesses, and most importantly our veterans. Government should work for the people, not the other way around.

For more information about Adamczyk’s policies, visit walter2026.com.

Photo Credit: Walter Adamczyk, candidate for Illinois Secretary of State