Madison County prosecutor Rachelle Aud Crowe announced her candidacy in the Democratic Primary for Illinois’ 56th Senate District on Wednesday.
The 56th District encompasses parts of both Madison and St. Clair Counties, including parts of Alton, Bethalto, Caseyville,Collinsville, East Alton, Edwardsville, Elsah, Fairview Heights, Hartford, Glen Carbon, Godfrey, Granite City, Madison, Maryville, O’Fallon, Pontoon Beach, Roxana, Shiloh, South Roxana, Swansea and Wood River.
Crowe has worked as a criminal prosecutor at the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for over a decade, where she has a reputation for taking on tough cases.
She was one of the first prosecutors assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit and has successfully represented the public in hundreds of homicide, drug, abuse and gang-related crimes.
Crowe promises to bring local values and a prosecutor’s determination to Springfield.
“In the courtroom, I’ve never been afraid to take on the most difficult cases to protect our community,” Crowe stated. “In the Senate, I won’t be afraid to tackle Illinois’ most difficult problems to create a brighter future for our state. I fight everyday to protect this community, my home, and I would be honored to do the same as your Senator.”
“Our community has felt the squeeze of ever-increasing property taxes due to under-funded public schools and job losses. As a prosecutor, I can attest to how the lack of educational and employment opportunities has impacted the health of our community,” she added.
Crowe grew up in the Wood River area in a family that worked at Olin, Laclede Steel and the Wood River Refinery.
“Our district knows the devastation of manufacturing job losses, but remains attractive and primed for wide growth,” Crowe stated. “I’ll be a strong advocate for job creation and investment in businesses and workers, including protecting the hard-fought rights of working families. I’ll also fight for more school funding with less of a reliance on property taxes, so teachers will have the resources they need without families having to pay the price.”
“With Senator Haine’s retirement, we need another strong leader who will be a champion for this district,” Crowe added. “I began my career as an intern under Senator Haine at the State’s Attorney’s Office, and I would be honored to continue his work. I’m ready show up, listen to our families, and get to work fighting for them in the Senate.”
Crowe and her husband Jim have two children and are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.