Illinois House of Representatives District 50 candidate surveys, 2022

This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Illinois House of Representatives District 50 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Click here to see candidates and election results.
Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Illinois House of Representatives District 50

Incumbent Barbara Hernandez defeated Donald Walter in the general election for Illinois House of Representatives District 50 on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Barbara Hernandez (D)	62.8	14,251
	Donald Walter (R)	37.2	8,457

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,708
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Donald Walter (R)

Illinoisans need Inflation relief and lower taxes - Illinois is leading the country in foreclosures in 2022

Validate parents rights and grant school choice

Restore Law and Order, make our neighborhoods safe repeal the so called Safety Act

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Donald Walter (R)

Keeping families here in Illinois by lowering taxes, ending unfunded mandates, giving school choice to families.Protect Religious Freedom and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The government doesn't produce anything, it's the businesses here in Illinois that create food, manufacture goods and sell services. Government should facilitate businesses not oppress them into leaving Illinois or just plain shut down.

Our education system is in a choke hold of mandates and directives. Our educational scores are abysmal as a result. We have got to do everything possible to make Illinois a desirable state for families to live and thrive.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Donald Walter (R)

Both of my parents. but I especially remember my mother. She managed to juggle working full time as a grade school teacher, raise 5 children, help out of state relatives, help us keep our faith. She taught us the importance of family by example. My wife and I were rewarded by her living with us the last 20 years of her life where she once again set the example for our children of love and acceptance. My dad was a gentle giant of a man. He coached us in little league baseball with Chuckie Richardson from East Aurora fame. He worked hard, diligently and without a mean word for anyone but Ron Santo with the Chicago Cubs during his playing days. He wanted the Cubs passionately to win. It's a testimony to him that I only remember that few times he was capable of a mean word, and it wasn't that mean.

I hear that same description of my dad and mom about me from my son. That is the most satisfying feeling that both of our kids are following that example of my parents as well.

I have to acknowledge my wife Renee as well. She is a two time cancer survivor when things didn't look good. She has her own story to tell and I'll leave that to her to tell or not.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Donald Walter (R)

To be responsible to the people who elected you. Remember and live up to your campaign promises. Work for the common good with a priority on families and their children. Keep government out of the way of business, facilitate their growth not obstruct it.Protect our children, make our neighborhoods safe again. Back our law enforcement and end corruption.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Donald Walter (R)

The assassination of President John Kennedy.was the most impactful, at the age of 11.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Donald Walter (R)

Delivering newspapers at 12 years old for two yhears and been working ever since

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Donald Walter (R)

Respect and be able to agree to disagree.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Donald Walter (R)

Build a climate of trust with the people of Illinois with true leadership.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Donald Walter (R)

In mirroring what our nation's founders presented as checks and balances a bicameral state legislature is necessary. A unicameral legislature nay expedite the legislative process and cut down on the pork.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Donald Walter (R)

Yes but not when tied to corruption or partisanship.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Donald Walter (R)

Hire an independent outside organization to redistrict.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Donald Walter (R)

Of course it's desirable but at times you need to fight for your constituents at all costs.