Kane County Reporter

Aris Garcia, the Republican candidate for State Representative in Illinois’ 49th district, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Israel amidst recent war crimes committed by the terror organization Hamas. Garcia took to social media to emphasize the need for the U.S. to stand resolute against forces of evil in the Middle East, pledging to protect Israel as a beacon of light in the region. 

“Amidst recent war crimes committed by the terror organization Hamas, we are reaffirming our unwavering commitment to our ally, Israel. Together, the U.S. stands resolute against the forces of evil in the Middle East and we will protect the beacon of light that is Israel,” Garcia said.

Garcia’s comments come after he spoke at a Prayer Rally for Israel.

Garcia's message was not one he carried alone. He was joined at the rally by Heather Brown, a candidate for Illinois State Senate District 25. She addressed the attendees as a peacemaker and a voice for all believers in faith and voiced optimism about the resolution of conflicts and called for unity in times of instability.

However, not all political figures share this sentiment. Following the Oct. 7 attack, there have been several high-profile incidents of anti-Semitism in Illinois and in the ranks of leftists across the country. Locally, State Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) signed a letter along with Democrat colleagues in the State House noting the Hamas attack, which killed over 1,200 Israeli civilians, stemmed from "inequality." The letter was signed by 16 members of Democrat caucus in Springfield according to DuPage Policy Journal.

Garcia is running for 49th District which is currently represented by State Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia). It includes parts of Batavia, West Chicago, South Elgin, Wayne, Bartlett and portions of Aurora and Geneva according to Ballotpedia.