Max Solomon, a Republican attorney, is running for Illinois Treasurer on a platform of cutting state spending and increasing fiscal transparency.
Elmhurst-area voters will see the race on their ballots in the Nov. 3 general election. Solomon said in a questionnaire response to Elmhurst Beacon that he is running "to reduce the heavy tax burden by bringing fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability to elective office."
Candidate information
Party: Republican
Office sought: Illinois Treasurer (Nov. 3, 2026, general election)
Background: Solomon was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and immigrated to the United States in 1992 at age 21.
Education: JD, Valparaiso University School of Law; Master's in Theology, Valparaiso University; Bachelor's in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies, DePaul University; Associate's degree, South Suburban College
Occupation: Attorney
Endorsement: Madison County GOP
Experience and public service
Solomon listed his occupation as attorney and said he also served as an adjunct professor of political science and law at South Suburban College. His prior public service includes committeeman for the Bremen Township Republican Party and trustee of the Grande Prairie Public Library. Both are former roles.
In his questionnaire, Solomon said he immigrated to the United States with $40 and, through hard work and education, became a U.S. citizen, an attorney and an adjunct professor.
On the issues
State spending and investment: Solomon said he would focus on fraud investigations and work to eliminate wasteful spending. He described himself as the state's potential "whistleblower in chief" on fiscal irresponsibility. He also called for directing state deposits to community banks and credit unions across all 102 Illinois counties.
"Illinois does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem," Solomon said in his questionnaire.
Transparency: Solomon proposed a real-time public dashboard so taxpayers can track every dollar and see how state investments perform.
Taxes: Solomon said he supports property tax freezes and reform, tax cuts and a flat-rate income and business tax. He said the changes he would bring to the office would result in state income exceeding expenditures without raising taxes.
Education: Solomon said he supports strengthening the Bright Start and Bright Directions college savings programs. He also listed support for school choice on his campaign website.
Government: Solomon described himself as a Christian conservative Republican who supports smaller government.
