Biography
Edgardo "Eddie" Perez is the Republican candidate for Illinois State Senate District 42 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against Democrat Jared Ploger. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he is a retired police commander.[1][2]
Perez served in the U.S. Air Force Security Police from 1982 to 1988.[1][2] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he then joined the Batavia Police Department, where he served from 1988 until his retirement in 2016, working as a narcotics investigator, detective, gang intelligence supervisor, watch commander and Fraternal Order of Police union president.[2] He also said he founded the Defense Training Institute, Warrior Way, Inc., and the Martial Arts Gang Intervention Club, which he described as providing opportunities for at-risk youth.[2]
Perez won the Republican primary for the district on March 17, 2026, with 7,027 votes in an uncontested race.[1] In his survey answers he said parents, not the government, have the primary responsibility and authority to raise their children, and that he supports programs that develop the character and leadership of young people.[2]
- 1.Edgardo Perez · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Edgardo Perez - Candidate Connection survey · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Illinois Senate District 42
Edgardo Perez is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Illinois Senate District 42 as R. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.