West Central Reporter

When first-time candidate Joshua Griffith, a production and marketing manager at Locke’s Roofing & Siding in Galesburg, first entered the Republican race to unseat Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) in the 93rd District, he was inspired by the idea that it is time for change.

The Abingdon Republican, who lost to Hammond in the primary, ran on a message of financial reform and pledged to turn around practices that he felt hurt the fiscal health of the state.

Ads for Griffith’s campaign attacked Hammond as party to a “grand bargain” that resulted in a massive spending budget last year.

He has also been outspoken about the need for pension reform and other changes to stem the tide of rising property taxes.

Griffith also weighed in on the controversy involving harassment that surrounded Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago), who lost in the Democratic primary.

Griffith failed to unseat Hammond by approximately a 7 percent margin.

“I am disappointed that things did not go our way in this election,” Griffith told West Central Reporter after the primary. “However, I am very proud of my team and how hard they worked in this grass-roots campaign. We met a lot of great people in this district, and I am thankful for every volunteer and supporter that gave time to helping the campaign.”

Griffith said he is looking forward to taking some time off after campaigning.

“The next step for me is to take the next several days to rest and spend time with my wife and kids,” Griffith said. “I am looking forward to coaching my son's baseball team and being more involved with family functions.”

He also expressed thanks for all of the people who helped put wind into the sails of his campaign.

“I am thankful for the 4,481 people that put their trust in me with their vote,” Griffith said. “It is very humbling to see the results and know that we had as much support as we did. I hope that my supporters will stay engaged in what our government is doing and making sure that their voices are heard.”

Overall, he said, he hasn’t given up hope of some day representing Illinois residents.

“I would not rule out campaigning again in the future,” Griffith said. “This has been an experience that has been very memorable, and I still believe in the message that I brought forward. I will spend some time reflecting on the campaign and evaluate possibilities for the future.”