2026 Illinois Congressional Candidate Forum
Join us for a candidate forum with your Republican candidates for IL 17th Congressional District Julie Bickelhaupt and Dillan Vancil. It's time to take back IL and its your duty to be an informed voter when you enter the voting booth in March! Get your FREE tickets below!
January 24, 2026
2pm - 4pm
7281 Olde Creek Rd. Rockford, IL. 61114
CALVARY CHAPEL
Watch Forum!
Julie Bickelhaupt is a mother, farmer, and community leader committed to bringing common-sense solutions to Washington on behalf of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District.
A seventh-generation farmer, Julie works alongside her husband and adult children in Mount Carroll, raising purebred Hereford cattle and running a grain operation. She was raised on a farm in Greenville and earned her degree from Eastern Illinois University after attending the University of Illinois.
Julie currently serves as Chair of the Carroll County Board, where she has focused on transparency, fiscal stability, and creating efficiencies that help families and businesses thrive. She is active in her local Republican Party as a precinct committeeperson and is a participant in the prestigious Lincoln Series, which equips Republican women to lead and inspire.
Her experiences as a mother, farmer, and business owner give her a firsthand understanding of the challenges families face as the cost of living rises. Julie will fight to ease the financial burden on working families, protect agriculture as Illinois’ economic backbone, and strengthen education by supporting school choice and improving public schools.
Julie is running for Congress to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to defend those who need protecting. Guided by her servant’s heart, she will listen, lead with common sense, and fight for solutions that put the people of the 17th District first.
Julie Bickelhaupt
CANDidATE Bios
I was born and raised here in west-central Illinois. This is home. It’s where I learned the value of hard work, where my wife Alyssa and I are raising our two boys, and where I’ve spent my life trying to give back to the community that shaped me.
Like a lot of folks around here, I’ve worn a few hats—railroad worker, small business owner, school board member. I started my career on the railroad and eventually became State Legislative Director for SMART-TD, where I advocated for worker safety, fair treatment, and better jobs. Along the way, my wife Alyssa and I took a leap of faith and started a small coffee business out of a trailer. Today, that little trailer has grown into six shops and a team of more than 50 people. We’ve been blessed by the support of our neighbors every step of the way.
I’ve also served as Vice President of the West Central School Board and as a member of the Eagle View Health System board, because I believe rural families deserve the same opportunities as anyone else—whether it’s in education, healthcare, or simply being heard by the people who represent them.
I’m not a career politician. I’m a husband, a dad, a small business owner, and someone who loves this part of Illinois. I’m running for Congress because I think we need more people in Washington who know what it’s like to work long hours, sign the front of a paycheck, and stretch every dollar to make things work.
Dillan Vancil
CANDidATE Bios
Jason Hoyt
For more than two decades, I've been immersed in grassroots political activism, from national elections to local campaigns and issues.
Alongside my activism, I've authored two impactful books: "CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED - The People's Guide to Holding Government Accountable" and "I BELIEVE IN FREEDOM. DON'T YOU? - How to Talk with Family & Friends About Liberty."
In Florida, I've served in various volunteer roles within GOP organizations as well as numerous grassroots campaigns contributing to the political landscape at a local level.
Additionally, I was on the original conference calls that set in motion the nationwide tea party movement back in February 2009. Subsequently, I've helped launch numerous organizations and campaigns at the local, state, and national levels.
Dubbed a political motivator, I've honed my skills as a speaker, strategist, consultant, and coach.
MODERATErs
Cori Blake
Is a radio DJ at 88.3 WFEN The Lighthouse, Rockford's only full power, live, & local Christian radio station covering 12 counties. Additionally, she is an accomplished entrepreneur and digital creative, with a passion for marketing.
While she is new to the radio world, she was destined for it since she started talking at just 7 months old and hasn't stopped since! With a personality and voice bigger than her hair (which is hard to believe), she is here to bring joy, laughter, and engaging conversations to your airwaves.
Our volunteer base varies from election help, to event planning, and administrative support.
