Biography

Chris Balkema, a Republican from Channahon, Illinois, was sworn in as the State Senator for the 53rd District on January 8, 2025. The 53rd District encompasses parts of Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will, and Woodford counties. Prior to his election to the Illinois Senate, Balkema served as Chairman of the Grundy County Board from 2016 to 2025 and has a 31-year career with Caterpillar, holding leadership roles in Human Resources, Operations, Logistics, and Purchasing.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Systems from Taylor University
  • Master of Business Administration from Bradley University

• Political Experience:

  • Elected to the Grundy County Board in 2010
  • Served as Chairman of the Grundy County Board from 2016 to 2025
  • Sworn in as Illinois State Senator for the 53rd District on January 8, 2025