Democratic candidate for the Illinois 95th district Mike Mathis has been endorsed by the United Mine Workers of America. The UMWA and Mathis announced the endorsement on Wednesday in front of a coal miners monument at the Christian County Courthouse in Taylorville. Mathis said that the decision to run was fueled by a belief that the Illinois 95th district isn’t receiving proper representation in Springfield by current incumbent Avery Bourne.
Mathis, a former coal miner himself, said how the endorsement by the UMWA was a mutual decision by both parties that just makes sense, especially considering Mathis’ support of the coal industry.
Mathis said how he was humbled by the endorsement of the UMWA and all the kind words he has received from fellow miners that are placing their trust in him to help build the area’s economy.