Our Daily Show Interview! State of the Race 26: Marsie Geldert-Murphey (D) State Senate 56
RIVERBEND – Marsie Geldert-Murphey wants people to know that she cares about the future of the 56th District.
Geldert-Murphey (D) is preparing for the primary election on March 17, 2026, as an Illinois State Senator candidate for the 56th District. She stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello for a conversation about her platform, which encompasses infrastructure, public education, and healthcare.
“I was told by a client I’m a bulldog with class,” Geldert-Murphey said. “If you want someone who’s empathetic but has a strong voice and will defend your rights in the State House, you need to vote for me.”
Geldert-Murphey is a civil engineer by trade. She believes the Metro East is set up to be a great spot for infrastructure and industry, and she noted that the closure of Alton Steel was “devastating” news. She said she immediately made several phone calls to local leaders, because she is “a collaborator.”
Looking to the future, Geldert-Murphey said she is focused on helping future generations. She noted that she has talked to multiple generations as she began her campaign, and issues around affordability, healthcare and job security remain at the top of the list for a lot of people.
“We’ve got to look at what we’re doing for our communities that is sustainable and lifelong,” she said. “We’ve got to look long-term. We’re getting too transactional with everything that we’re doing, meaning, what is this going to do right now for us? Instead of, what’s it going to do for the next generation?”
As someone who grew up “economically insecure,” Geldert-Murphey said she understands the affordability issues facing many people these days. This is why she is interested in building opportunities through infrastructure in the region, so people can have “good, union-paying jobs.”
Health insurance is also a major concern for her. A few years ago, Geldert-Murphey was in an accident that left her in a coma for over a week. She is thankful that she financially recovered from this, but noted that she would have gone bankrupt if not for her husband’s insurance plan.
“We have got to bridge the gap that is being put in place by the national clawing back on Medicare,” she said. “We have to make sure that we take care [of people], especially our elderly, our disabled, and our veterans. We’ve got to take care of our community with our healthcare shortfalls that are being inflicted on us nationally.”
Additionally, public education is one of her top priorities. Geldert-Murphey believes in creating “a safe, healthy place where students can go to enrich themselves and be set up for success and parents know their children are safe and can go to work,” she explained.
As the primary approaches, Geldert-Murphey acknowledged that a lot of people feel disillusioned or powerless. She emphasized that she wants to take action to help people who are struggling.
“They wish that somebody was there fighting for them. I will tell you, a lot of people no longer have confidence or trust in those who are making our laws. I’m not saying it’s totally justified. I’m just saying they’re not seeing the impacts that are helping them at home,” she explained. “I want to help restore the trust in those that are legislating policies and laws for people back home. I want them to know that, if you send me up there, I do have your best interests in mind.”
For more information about Marsie Geldert-Murphey, visit her official website.
