Photo: cdn.ilga.govIL · Officeholder
RState Senator · District 53
On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: Illinois Senate District 53
Chris Balkema was sworn into the Illinois Senate in January 2025 and represents the 53rd District.[1]
According to the legislature's biography, he previously served on the Grundy County Board, chairing it since 2016, and worked 31 years at Caterpillar.[1] He holds a B.S. in Business Systems from Taylor University and an MBA from Bradley University, and lives in Channahon.[1]
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-19.
Chris Balkema is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Illinois Senate District 53 as R. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.
Their recorded votes on bills that divided the chamber (unanimous votes left out), grouped by topic. A bill can sit under more than one topic. "With" and "against" compare each vote with how most Republicans voted. How topics are assigned
Most contested
On the version voted May 22, 2026: Allows the State Treasurer to invest State money in pooled investment trusts registered as open-end investment companies whose voting trustees are officers or employees of a national labor federation.
Apr 29, 2026 · Passed 47–7 · against most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
On the version voted May 29, 2026: Allows townships to use public aid funds to run food banks, food pantries and in-kind aid programs for people who are poor, homeless or in immediate need, regardless of General Assistance eligibility.
Apr 14, 2026 · Passed 48–7 · against most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Most contested
SUICIDE PREVENTION INFORMATION
Apr 16, 2026 · Passed 55–2 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Most contested
May 31, 2026 · Passed 48–7 · against most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
The votes in their chamber that came out closest and most divided by party, among those they voted on. How we rank
Against most of their party · Passed 47–7 · Yes 46–No 7 · Democrats 37–0, Republicans 9–7
Apr 29, 2026Official record ↗
Against most of their party · Passed 48–7 · Yes 47–No 7 · Democrats 38–0, Republicans 9–7
May 31, 2026Official record ↗
Against most of their party · Passed 48–7 · Yes 47–No 7 · Democrats 35–0, Republicans 12–7
Apr 14, 2026Official record ↗
With most of their party · Passed 51–3 · Yes 50–No 3 · Democrats 36–0, Republicans 14–3
Apr 16, 2026Official record ↗
SUICIDE PREVENTION INFORMATION
With most of their party · Passed 55–2 · Yes 54–No 2 · Democrats 37–0, Republicans 17–2
Apr 16, 2026Official record ↗
Substantive votes concern legislation or nominations; procedural votes concern how the chamber considers them. A Yes vote applies to the motion shown, which may not be final passage.
Motion: Concurrence, Amendment 1
On the version voted May 22, 2026: Allows the State Treasurer to invest State money in pooled investment trusts registered as open-end investment companies whose voting trustees are officers or employees of a national labor federation.
Motion: Concurrence, Amendment 1
Motion: Third Reading
On the version voted May 22, 2026: Allows the State Treasurer to invest State money in pooled investment trusts registered as open-end investment companies whose voting trustees are officers or employees of a national labor federation.
Motion: Third Reading
As introduced, allows the Village of Oak Park to use quick-take eminent domain for two years to acquire specified properties on Madison Street and Humphrey Avenue in Cook County for a public building and facility.
Motion: Third Reading
Motion: Third Reading
On the version voted May 29, 2026: Allows townships to use public aid funds to run food banks, food pantries and in-kind aid programs for people who are poor, homeless or in immediate need, regardless of General Assistance eligibility.
Showing 6 of 6 votes in this collection. Coverage may be incomplete; each entry links to the official record.