Rock Island Today

This week, state Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) announced that he would seek re-election to a third term in 2022. 

This time around, the experience is likely to be different for Anderson. He'll be running in a completely newly-formed district after the state's Democratic lawmakers redrew district lines earlier this year. 

Anderson commented on the new challenge, saying, "It's a completely new district; it's a new challenge. It's a lot  bigger. I'll go from representing two counties geographically to 16. I grew up in the rural Quad-Cities. The new district is  so big because it's based on population and it's a very rural district. I think I have a lot to bring to the table having grown up out in the  country and on a farm."

In addition to announcing his bid to run again for a third term, Anderson also used the opportunity to speak out against Gov. J.B. Pritzker. "Getting the state back on its feet should not be done by rule or by fiat."

Anderson will be campaigning on criminal justice system reform. He sees the current system as favoring criminals.

Anderson said in a video posted to YouTube, “I’m tired of hearing that we need to be mindful of the criminal. We need to start  being mindful of the victims and our law enforcement. Recidivism is at an all-time high and that’s something we can control.”

He also declared his intention to get rid of FOID (Firearm Owner Identification) cards, which are required in the state for residents to carry firearms. He posted on Facebook, "I will continue to advocate for Illinoisans’ Second Amendment Rights. It is time we VOID the FOID."