Max Solomon, a Republican attorney, is running for Illinois treasurer in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Solomon said in a candidate questionnaire that he is seeking office to reduce the tax burden on Illinois residents by bringing fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability to state government.
Solomon would face the Democratic nominee for the statewide office that manages Illinois' investments, deposits and college savings programs.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Illinois Treasurer
- Election: Nov. 3, 2026, general election
- Occupation: Attorney
- Education: Associate's degree in political science, South Suburban College; bachelor's in political science with a minor in religious studies, DePaul University; master's in theology, Valparaiso University; J.D., Valparaiso University School of Law
- Endorsement: Madison County Republican Party
Solomon was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and immigrated legally to the United States in 1992 at age 21, according to his campaign website. He said in his questionnaire that he arrived with $40 and, through hard work and education, became a U.S. citizen, an attorney and an adjunct professor of political science and law.
Experience and public service
- Committeeman, Bremen Township Republican Party (former)
- Trustee, Grande Prairie Public Library (former)
- Adjunct professor, South Suburban College
- Attorney
On the issues
State spending and fiscal oversight
Solomon said in his questionnaire that Illinois "does not have a revenue problem" but "has a spending problem." He said he would focus on fraud investigations and work to eliminate wasteful spending, calling himself the state's would-be "whistleblower in chief" on fiscal irresponsibility. He said the goal is for state income to exceed expenditures without raising taxes.
Taxes
Solomon's campaign website lists support for property tax freezes and reform, tax cuts and flat-rate income and business taxation. He also supports a balanced budget.
Investment transparency
Solomon has called for a real-time public dashboard so taxpayers can track every dollar invested by the treasurer's office. He has also proposed modernizing the state's investment strategy through diversification while maintaining fiduciary responsibility, according to his campaign website.
Community banking
Solomon has proposed directing state deposits to community banks and credit unions across all 102 Illinois counties. His campaign website states this would ensure rural and underserved communities have access to capital and financial growth.
Education savings
Solomon has called for strengthening the Bright Start and Bright Directions college savings programs. His campaign website describes making higher education attainable for every Illinois family through fiscal planning.
Lake Forest and Lake Bluff voters will see the Illinois treasurer race on their Nov. 3 ballots.
