Biography
Kermit Thomas is the Democratic candidate for Illinois House of Representatives District 71 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against incumbent Daniel Swanson (R).[1] Thomas is a retired U.S. Army officer who describes himself as a pastor and community advocate.[1][2]
Thomas served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 2016.[1] According to Ballotpedia, he graduated from Conroe High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1998 and a graduate degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2004.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he retired as a Major and is active in his church, the NAACP and local youth initiatives.[2]
Thomas won the March 17, 2026 Democratic primary.[1] In the survey he said his priorities include improving education, expanding access to health care, supporting veterans and strengthening local economies, and that the district includes both rural and urban communities.[2]
- 1.Kermit Thomas · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Kermit Thomas - Candidate Connection survey responses (2026) · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Illinois House District 71
Kermit Thomas is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Illinois House District 71 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.
