Rock Island Today

Charlie Helmick, a family man, business owner, and veteran, is contesting on the Republican ticket for the 72nd District seat in the state House of Representatives.

"Helmick: “Your vote is crucial in shaping the future of Illinois," said Charlie Helmiclk, Candidate for District 72, according to Facebook.

In a Facebook post dated March 12, Helmick stated:

Screenshot of Charlie Helmick's March 12 Facebook post | Facebook

"It is important that you exercise your right to vote in the March 2024 Illinois Primary Election. Currently, many people are leaving our state for "Free States", resulting in a loss of talent and resources. We must work together to create a welcoming environment for people and businesses to thrive. Please join me in making Illinois great again and vote in the March 2024 Primary Election."

As part of his campaign activities leading up to the election, Helmick participated in the Rock Island St. Patrick’s Day parade. In a subsequent Facebook post on March 16, he shared:

"I am thrilled to have marched in the St. Patrick's Day Grand Parade in Rock Island, Illinois, alongside my campaign supporters and staff. Despite the March winds, we had a blast. And while we were there, I had the pleasure of receiving Elvis's endorsement for my candidacy for the 72nd Illinois State Representative District. Don't miss your chance to vote for the candidate that even the King himself knows is the right choice."

Helmick is a lifelong resident of Quad Cities with a background as a veteran and former law enforcement officer. He is an advocate for fiscal responsibility within his party. His campaign platform centers around protecting police and public safety professionals, advocating stiffer jail penalties and eliminating "activist judges and prosecutors that have taken the side of thugs over victims of violent crime," according to his campaign website.

According to Ballotpedia, this isn't Helmick’s first attempt at becoming a state representative. He previously contested for House District 17 seat during June 28, 2022 primary race against Esther Joy King but received only 14,274 votes compared to King’s 31,065 votes. In the final count, Democrat Eric Sorenson defeated King with 121,186 votes against her 111,931 votes.