Pekinite Zoey Carter is taking a second bite at the apple. She recently announced her candidacy for the Illinois House of Representatives in District 93, officially throwing her hat into the ring.
Carter previously began collecting signatures during the last election cycle but was forced to withdraw due to a lack of volunteers and staff to support the effort.
Determined to make a stronger push this time, Carter has already begun traveling across the district. Several weeks ago, she visited Kewanee and toured The Voice office—just one stop on her ambitious plan to knock on every door in District 93.
“I want to make sure I’m talking face to face to every single voter,” Carter said. “My passion is in this district and taking care of the people of the district.”
This time around, Carter’s campaign will include volunteers, and she’s actively encouraging people to join her team. Volunteers will play a key role in spreading her message and raising awareness about the issues she’s prioritizing.
“I am a lifelong retail worker, a daughter of a hard-working blue collar manufacturing family, and an eighth generation Pekinite. I know what it takes. And I plan on not just talking the talk but walking the walk,” she said.
Carter’s platform centers on “kitchen-table” issues that impact everyday Illinois residents—rising property taxes, transportation costs and utility bills. Her focus, she says, is on helping families put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.
“It’s simple. It’s getting back down to basics and fighting for the people of this district. We’ve been struggling and we need to fix that. I am the fix,” Carter said.
She will face incumbent Rep. Travis Weaver, who assumed office in 2023, and has made it clear she intends to challenge him directly.
“This campaign is starting with one promise and will finish with that promise; that our working-class families be heard and allowed to succeed. And it’s absolutely clear Mr. Weaver is not that person,” she said.
As a trans woman, Carter acknowledges the challenges she may face in the current political climate, but she insists that her identity should not be a distraction.
“The right likes to focus on these culture war issues and it’s just not helpful,” she said. “Yes, I am a trans woman but first and foremost, I’m Zoey.”
Her campaign manager, Jeielle Baker, emphasized that the strategy is rooted in grassroots outreach. “Actual door knocking,” Baker said, noting that volunteers will be essential to executing the plan.
The campaign has until October 27 to collect 500 signatures, but Carter said the goal is to triple that number. Volunteer recruitment is currently underway.
The primary election is scheduled for March of next year, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026.
Those interested in volunteering can email the campaign at zoey@zoeycarter.us or visit her website at zoeycarter.us.
