IL Secretary of State candidate talks issues, Giannoulias yet to announce

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Although Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has yet to announce plans for reelection in 2026, an Illinois Republican has launched her campaign.

Diane Harris is a trustee for Joliet Junior College and the Joliet Public Library.

Harris said her main focus is service.

“My campaign is based on change and making sure that all Illinoisans have access to DMV services,” Harris told The Center Square.

Harris said she has heard many complaints about the Secretary of State’s appointment process.

Giannoulias has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Chicago mayor in 2027. The secretary announced the Driving Change campaign at a press conference in Chicago July 30.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, joined Giannoulias to push for legislation that would ban auto insurers from using age, credit scores or zip codes to determine premiums.

“I just don’t know why that would be something to campaign on when we have cyber issues that we need to deal with in the Secretary of State’s office,” Harris said.

Last year, Giannoulias’ office notified some Illinois residents of a data security incident which may have exposed names, driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers.

Giannoulias has sought to enforce data-sharing restrictions in a law which took effect last year.

“Our office championed legislation that ensures that your license plate data does not get shared with out-of-state law enforcement agencies for abortion or immigration purposes,” Giannoulias said in a video posted by the Secretary of State’s office on YouTube last month.

Harris said she did not agree with the restrictions.

“We should be sharing information. That’s some of the reason why we can’t move forward with getting things done. In a government agency, all information should be shared,” Harris said.

Harris also serves as vice chair for the Joliet Township Republican organization. She said she is gathering signatures for the GOP primary next March 17.

Giannoulias has not announced his campaign plans for next year.