Daily Journal staff report

BRAIDWOOD — Earlier this month, Philip Nagel, of Braidwood, announced his candidacy for Illinois State Senate in the 40th District.

Currently holding the position is Patrick Joyce, D-Essex. Nagel ran against Joyce for the seat in November, and Joyce collected just over 54% of the vote to gain the two-year term.

According to a news release from Nagel, he is running a “grassroots Republican” campaign.

The 40th District includes portions of Kankakee, Will, Grundy and Cook counties. Included in the district are communities such as Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais, Wilmington, Joliet, Chicago Heights, Park Forest, New Lenox and University Park.