Steve Stadelman was born and raised in southwestern Wisconsin, where he grew up on his parents’ dairy farm. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
After graduating from college, Steve became a reporter and news anchor for WTVO Channel 17. During his 25 years as a journalist in the Rockford area, he gained a broad understanding of the issues facing both the region and the state of Illinois as a whole.
In 2012, Steve decided to run for a seat in the Illinois State Senate and was elected to serve as state senator for the 34th District. As a state senator, he has focused on the issues that matter most to Illinoisans, like improving access to health care and providing high-quality education and job training opportunities.
During his tenure, Steve has helped pass measures to cap insulin costs and ensure no one is denied coverage in Illinois for having a pre-existing health condition. He also fought for landmark legislation to more fairly distribute funding for Illinois’ public schools. The law has since provided millions of dollars of additional funding for Rockford area schools.
Steve has also championed measures to foster the economic development of Rockford and the surrounding area.
He sponsored and successfully passed legislation to expand a tax credit that has allowed for the redevelopment of vacant downtown buildings, including the new Rockford Riverfront Hotel and Convention Center. He also passed legislation to upgrade local youth sports facilities and secured $275 million for the development of passenger rail between Rockford and Chicago.
Steve is also active in his community. An avid basketball fan and former three-sport high school athlete, he hosts a free annual basketball tournament to help bring children and adults from across the Rockford area together.
Steve and his wife, Patty, have four children, all of whom attend or graduated from Rockford public schools. .
GET INVOLVED
We’re looking for volunteers to help make sure Steve is re-elected to the Illinois Senate. See how you can get involved.
VIEW THE ISSUES
As a state senator, he has focused on the issues that matter most to Illinoisans, like improving access to health care and providing high-quality education and job training opportunities.