Jeff Walter, a Republican, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois' 11th Congressional District in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Bill Foster is the Democratic candidate.
Asked why he is seeking office, Walter said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe public service should be about solving problems, protecting our freedoms, and leaving our country stronger for the next generation. … Washington needs more practical experience and common sense. We must address the rising cost of living, uncontrolled federal spending and debt, border security, public safety, healthcare costs, and the opportunities and risks presented by rapidly changing technology."
Candidate information
Party: Republican
Family: "Married to Carrie (Wodarski) Walter, 2 adult Children - Kaitlyn & Jeffrey"
Education:
"Bachelor of Science - Finance Master of Science - Manufacturing Management Masters of Business Administration (MBA)"
Previous and current elected office:
"Current: Mayor, Village of Elburn, in my third term Past: Village Trustee, 2 terms"
Experience and public service
Walter, 65, was born in Toledo, Ohio, according to WTTW's voters guide. He said he is a retired U.S. Navy master chief petty officer.
Asked about his work history, Walter said in our questionnaire: "My career spans more than four decades of leadership in the military, private sector, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and local government. I served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer and Senior Enlisted Advisor in the cryptologic community." He added: "My technology career included senior leadership roles at HCSC, Optum, T-Mobile, and Accenture, where I led major data and technology initiatives and worked extensively with artificial intelligence, including developing AI solutions and teaching AI courses."
Walter also volunteers as a member of the Patient Family Advisory Council at a Chicago-area VA hospital, according to his responses in WTTW's voters guide.
On the issues
Top priority — fiscal responsibility: Walter said in our questionnaire: "My top priority would be restoring fiscal responsibility and putting the federal government on a sustainable financial path. The national debt affects nearly every other challenge we face because rising interest costs consume resources that could otherwise support defense, infrastructure, Social Security, Medicare, and other priorities." He said he would support "Legislation establishing enforceable spending caps and requiring Congress to adopt a credible path toward a balanced budget."
Affordability and cost of living: Walter said: "Congress cannot simply spend its way out of an affordability problem. We need to address the underlying costs of housing, energy, food, healthcare, and government itself." He said he supports "an all-of-the-above energy strategy including nuclear, natural gas, oil, renewables, and expanded transmission along with permitting reform."
Health care: Walter said: "Congress should focus on lowering the cost of health care rather than simply shifting who pays the bill. Patients need greater competition, transparency, and control over their healthcare decisions." He said he supports "reforming pharmacy benefit managers to increase transparency, address practices such as spread pricing, and ensure negotiated drug savings reach patients."
Immigration: Walter said: "America can be both a nation of laws and a nation that welcomes legal immigrants. Congress should secure the border, enforce existing immigration laws, and modernize a legal immigration system that is too slow and complicated."
National security: Walter said: "Having served 22 years in the Navy, I believe we should never send Americans into harm's way without a clear mission and the resources to succeed." He said sustained military operations against Iran should require congressional authorization "with clearly defined objectives, appropriate resources, and an exit strategy."
