Will County Gazette

Samantha Gasca, a candidate for Senate District 19, recently faced a petition objection filed against her candidacy. She detailed her experience on Facebook, recounting her visit to the Chicago branch of the State Board of Elections where she confronted her accuser during a hearing.

Gasca acknowledged a mistake in her Statement of Candidacy, where she placed the date of the general election instead of the primary election on one sheet of paper. Despite deeming it a petty issue, Gasca took responsibility for the error, expressing frustration with herself for the oversight.

“PeTiTion ObJecTion,” Gasca said on Facebook.

“Yesterday I went to the Chicago location of the State Board of Elections to meet my accuser face-to-face. I didn’t “need” to go as it was just a hearing, however I owe it to you and to myself/my honor to have a backbone and face my accuser. I’m praying for great things with the Lord. Maybe you could join me?”

“My petition was objected to by an opponent who put someone else’s name down as the accuser, but then appeared (at the Chicago location of the State Board of Elections) as the attorney/accuser to attempt to invalidate my petition and get me kick me off the ballot.”

“Why? Could it be to use their platform as an attorney to wipe everyone off the ballot so they are the only “Republican” choice (ran as a Democrat for the exact same seat a few years ago)? (Leads me to believe this is a motive when they go after petty things). I’m not sure though, I can only speculate. I’m sure there are several motives…”

“Why was my petition objected to?”

“Because I did something SUPER dumb… I put the date of the general election where the date of the primary election should be on my Statement of Candidacy (only on **1** sheet of paper— the date is correct on all of the other 200+ pages)… petty; however, it IS my fault because I failed to be “excellent”— I was SO mad at myself!”

“PS— Unexpectedly, I was provided with an attorney who is one of the top election attorneys in the country. Only God can make moves like that! I have many people to thank, but I have to hold off on “who” for a time. God bless those who’ve helped me!!”

This incident aligns with a broader trend of petition challenges in primary races in Illinois. Victoria Knight of Hazel Crest challenged Gasca’s petitions, among others, as part of 48 challenges submitted on Monday, according to the Illinoize. These challenges primarily aim to remove candidates from the March ballot, citing insufficient valid signatures and triggering a process that can address various issues within the submitted petitions.

Gasca's political platform prioritizes people, economic opportunities, accessible healthcare, educational excellence and safer streets, all aimed at uniting diverse communities for a sustainable future in the state, Will County Gazette earlier reported.

Gasca brings a diverse background in radio, counseling, and business to her professional portfolio.

A familiar presence since March 2018, Gasca has been actively contributing as the Radio Program Content Coordinator and Data Analyst at Moody Radio. Her dedication to communication and adept data analysis skills have been instrumental in her role.

Beyond her contributions in the radio industry, Gasca extends her commitment to positive change through her ownership and operation of God Heard LLC, a multifaceted platform established in July 2021. Through this venture, she provides pastoral counseling, life coaching, and business consulting services.

Additionally, Gasca has taken on the role of a Pastoral Counselor and Life Coach at NuWell Counseling, further expanding her impact in the field of counseling and coaching, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Senate District 19 encompasses all or parts of Arbury Hills, Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Tinley Park, Frankfort Square and other areas according to the State Senate District 19 map on Ballotpedia. The district's incumbent State Senator is Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).