From Write-In to Nominee: Max Solomon’s Historic Illinois Treasurer Campaign
Opinion Piece | Michael Krempski
In a political environment often defined by structure, predictability, and party machinery, the emergence of Max Solomon as the Republican nominee for Illinois Treasurer stands out as an extraordinary and possibly unprecedented development in modern Illinois history. His path to the nomination, achieved not through a traditional ballot presence but through a write-in campaign, underscores themes that resonate beyond politics, and speak to conviction, faith, and persistence.
Max Solomon, an Illinois attorney, educator, ordained Christian minister, and former Trustee of the Grande Prairie Public Library District, has spent over a decade participating in public life. His candidacies have spanned offices from the state legislature to the governorship, reflecting a sustained commitment to civic engagement. His academic background includes degrees in political science, theology, and law, and his professional work includes practicing as an attorney and teaching political science at the college level. Solomon, a U.S. citizen, was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and his life story reflects a blend of public service, education, and biblically informed leadership. As he has often emphasized, “When you serve others, you serve God,” a principle that continues to guide his approach to public life.
His primary political season began with a bid for Illinois governor, which he withdrew in December 2025. That decision was made with his Lieutenant Governor running mate, Geno Young. That decision led to his latest campaign under unusual circumstances. No Republican candidate had filed for Illinois treasurer, leaving a vacancy on the primary ballot for a major statewide office, an uncommon occurrence. Rather than accept the absence, Solomon launched a write-in campaign, widely considered one of the most difficult paths to electoral success.
The process itself was demanding and required extraordinary effort. Max Solomon traveled across Illinois, going county by county to ensure compliance with write-in filing requirements and to build awareness for a campaign that would not appear on the ballot. Along the way, he expressed gratitude that he was a lawyer, noting that God had prepared him for the legal and procedural complexities of such an undertaking. This grassroots effort required persistence, organization, and personal engagement with voters across the state.
Illinois law[1] requires statewide write-in candidates to receive at least 5,000 valid votes to secure a party nomination, a threshold that demands not only strong voter awareness but also deliberate action at the ballot box.
On April 8, 2026, Max Solomon for Illinois Treasurer, posted on Facebook, that he currently had 42,646 write-in votes, based on unofficial results.
Against these odds, it is clear that Solomon succeeded. The available data [2] confirms that his effort was sufficient to secure the nomination. His monumental achievement appears to be a first, or at minimum, an exceptionally rare event in Illinois politics.
“By GOD We have made Illinois history! I'm overwhelmed with gratitude!”
- Max Solomon [3]
Photo: Max Solomon for Illinois Treasurer, March 31, 2026, Facebook, Max Solomon for Illinois Treasurer
Solomon has framed this journey not simply as a political endeavor, but as a matter of faith and obedience. Despite skepticism and negative reactions to his unconventional candidacy, he has said he was led by the Holy Spirit to pursue the race as a write-in candidate, explaining that he needed to “Obey God’s leading.” His campaign message reflects that conviction - “Let the people know that, hey, if you get Max Solomon, you're getting God with him. If you get Max Solomon, Christ is coming with him. No matter where I go, I bring Christ with me.”
His candidacy illustrates the enduring strength of a republican form of government in the United States. His candidacy shows that even within party frameworks, voters retain the ability to assert choice beyond formal ballot structures. As a write-in candidate, his campaign reflects the constitutional principle that political power ultimately resides with the people, who can act when standard nomination processes fall short.
Solomon has also emphasized a philosophy centered less on outcomes and more on responsibility and faithfulness. “Duty is ours, results are God’s,” (quoting 6th president, John Quincy Adams), he said, adding, “I’m not driven by outcome.” These statements reflect a broader worldview that prioritizes obedience, service, and trust over political calculation.
His open expression of Christian faith also reflects a long standing tradition in American political life, where belief in God inform public service. Solomon’s moral convictions and faith are the guiding influence on his approach to leadership and engagement with voters. When asked what he would say to voters just learning about his candidacy, he responded simply, “Keep learning. Learn more about it.” He has also emphasized accessibility and direct engagement, stating, “I’m very accessible. Contact me, text me, Facebook me, reach out to me, let’s have a conversation, get to know me.”
Scripture frequently emphasizes themes of persistence, faithfulness in small beginnings, and the importance of answering a call to serve. In a political moment where few expected much, Max Solomon’s 2026 write-in primary win is a reminder that impact doesn’t always come through human strength, but through divine help. Running as a write-in candidate for Illinois Treasurer, Max Solomon stepped into a race where no one had even filed, needing thousands of votes just to qualify, and still broke through. As God proclaims through the prophet Zechariah, “Do not despise these small beginnings.” (Zechariah 4:10) [4] What began as an unconventional and seemingly improbable campaign ultimately resulted in a tangible political outcome.
Now, as the Republican nominee, Solomon faces a significantly more demanding challenge in the general election against incumbent Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Transitioning from a write-in effort to a full-scale statewide campaign will require expanded resources, broader voter outreach, and increased visibility. Yet, regardless of the general election outcome, his nomination has already secured a place in the state’s political history.
For more information on Max Solomon’s run for Illinois Treasurer:
Visit his campaign page - Max Solomon for Illinois Treasurer
Endnotes:
[1] 10 ILCS 5/7‑59. Candidates’ Names; Election of Delegates and Committeeperson; Tie Vote.Illinois Compiled Statutes. Illinois General Assembly, updated 30 June 2023, https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/001000050K7-59.htm. Accessed March 31, 2026.
[2] Illinois State Board of Elections. Election Authorities. Illinois State Board of Elections, https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionAuthorities.aspx. Accessed March 31, 2026
[3] Max Solomon for Illinois Treasurer, March 31, 2026, Facebook, Max Solomon for Illinois Treasurer
[4] “Zechariah 4:10.” New Living Translation, Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/nlt/zechariah/4-10.htm. Accessed March 31, 2026.