South Cook News

Christine Shanahan McGovern is gaining momentum in her campaign for State Representative in Illinois' 36th House District, according to a new poll. 

The poll, conducted in September by Stedfast Media, shows McGovern leading her opponent, Rick Ryan, with 44.7% of the vote compared to Ryan's 42.5%. With a margin of error of 4%, the results indicate a competitive race, as 12.8% of voters remain undecided.

“Just the fact that I am the only candidate that has won a poll in Cook County right now on the Republican side is very, very exciting,” McGovern told South Cook News. 

“It's exciting because my hard work is finally paying off and people are ready. People are ready for a change.” 

In 2022 McGovern ran in State Senate District 18 which overlaps the 36th House District and includes the same constituents. 

“There is a lot of work to fix the wrongs in Springfield that have been done. We need to protect our children because they are our future,” McGovern said in a press release. “Remember the importance of having a voice in Springfield from a legislature who will govern with her heart. A voice who will be strong and courageous to go against the Machine. I am your person!"

The poll, which gathered a total of 421 responses, reflects McGovern's growing recognition among voters in the district. With the election date approaching, she aims to capitalize on this momentum to secure a victory.

McGovern’s opponent, is an Oak Lawn attorney who faced censure from the Illinois Supreme Court in 2013 for mishandling client funds. 

The censure stemmed from allegations that Ryan used a client's settlement money for personal and business expenses, leading to a reprimand rather than a suspension. 

Ryan faces hurdles in the race, including limited name recognition and a lack of substantial backing from the Democratic Party.

The 36th House District is currently represented by Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park) who announced she would not be running for re-election. 

Burke, who has been a state representative since 20111 and served under former House Speaker Mike Madigan, who is facing a corruption trial this month, pulls double duty as the mayor of Evergreen Park. She also serves as chair of the Revenue Committee in the House. 

She endorsed Ryan as her successor. 

McGovern is a mother and business owner with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and communication. 

The 36th District encompasses various areas, including parts of the Beverly, Mount Greenwood, and Auburn-Gresham neighborhoods in Chicago, along with sections of nearby suburbs such as Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Hometown and Palos Hills.