3RD SENATE
November 3, 2026 · State Senate District 3; Illinois · State senate district · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Average · 55 out of 100
This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 214,258 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(221,017 ÷ 214,258) ÷ ln(221,017 ÷ 209,032) = 55.71, comparing state senate districts in IL (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Average representation + an uncontested race → Below average vote impact.
State Senator is responsible for:
- Voting on state laws and the state budget
- Representing their district in the state senate
- Confirming certain governor appointments in many states
- Helping district residents deal with state agencies
Affected Areas: Environment and Public Health, Reduce Wealth Gap, Anti-Corruption, Government Efficiency, Healthcare Affordability, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Social Programs and Welfare, Public Education Quality, Gun Control, Women's Reproductive Rights, Election Integrity, Personal Income Tax Reduction, Data Privacy, Civil Rights, Corporate Accountability, Public Infrastructure
Candidates
Mattie Hunter
Democratic · Incumbent · declared
Mattie Hunter has represented Illinois' 3rd Senate District since 2003 and serves as an assistant majority leader. Her background includes government and sociology education, work as a certified drug and alcohol counselor and prevention specialist, and leadership on state health and human-services task forces.
Records: Civil Rights 1 for, Corporate Accountability 2 for, Environment and Public Health 1 for, Healthcare Affordability 2 for, Public Education Quality 2 for, Public Infrastructure 1 for, Public Safety and Crime Control 2 for, Reduce Wealth Gap 1 for, Social Programs and Welfare 4 for
Election sources
Source: elections.il.gov