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📸 Credit: League of Women Voters, BATV YouTube Channel
The League of Women Voters’ Forum held February 11 at Batavia City Hall offered a closer look at two contested Republican primaries that matter locally: Illinois State Senate District 33 and U.S. Congressional District 11.
Attendees heard a short solo statement in the Senate race (after one candidate was unable to attend) and a longer, wide-ranging Q&A among three congressional candidates on everything from immigration and election rules to Social Security and electric vehicles.
Forum 1: Illinois State Senate District 33 (Republican)
Because only one candidate attended, the League used its “empty chair” policy and gave Danielle Penman three minutes to introduce herself and her priorities. The League said Jessica Breugelmans was unable to attend.
In that brief window, Penman spoke to the cost of living and taxes, called for tighter state spending (including audits to root out “fraud, waste, and abuse”), and said she would repeal the SAFE-T Act.
She also emphasized the importance of school choice and expanded career pathways like skilled trades and apprenticeships, plus called out health care access and rising costs as a major concern.