Chambana Sun

Jim Acklin, currently the mayor of Ogden and interim superintendent of Chrisman Schools, has announced his own write-in campaign for State Representative against current Rep. Adam Niemerg, also a write-in. 

Niemerg, who currently serves as the representative for the 102nd district, is a Teutopolis native. He attended Teutopolis High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. He and his wife Trina have two children, and the family attends St. Aloysius church in Dieterich where they live. 

Acklin last ran a campaign for state representative in 2016, where he was defeated by Brad Halbrook. 

In this campaign, Acklin is receiving financial support from the Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois PAC for Education, and the Illinois Laborers Legislative Committee.

Edgar County Watchdogs reported on Acklin’s recent announcement, bringing to light all previous allegations made against him during his last campaign. These include a failure in mandated reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of a child, placing fault on a female student for a relationship with a teacher, covering up a sexual abuse case, concerns about reporting his campaign funding, allowing electioneering at Chrisman Schools, and more.