Biography
Ernie Marcelain is the Democratic candidate for Illinois State Senate District 38 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against incumbent Republican Sue Rezin. A former firefighter and EMT, he works as a manager.[1]
Marcelain was born in Lake Forest, Illinois, and earned a high school diploma from Sandwich High School and an associate degree from Waubonsee Community College.[1] His career experience includes working as a manager, firefighter, and EMT with paramedic training.[1] He won the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026, with 13,574 votes in an uncontested race.[1]
In a Ballotpedia survey, Marcelain described himself as a former union member and firefighter/EMT, a husband of 24 years and the father of a 22-year-old daughter.[2] He listed three campaign messages: making life more affordable for working Americans, protecting and expanding health care and hospitals, and boosting small businesses while creating good-paying jobs.[2]
- 1.Ernie Marcelain · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Ernie Marcelain - 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 38
Ernie Marcelain is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Illinois Senate District 38 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.
