Lake County Gazette

Helene Walsh has been tapped to fill the House seat for Illinois’ District 51 after Rep. Nick Sauer recently resigned amid accusations that he sent nude photos of his ex-girlfriend to other men.

“I have been a fighter my whole life, and I intend to fight in Springfield," Walsh said. "I will fight against Mike Madigan, I will fight against the Democrat’s desire to further increase our taxes and most assuredly, I will fight against the misogynistic culture that is embraced by the majority party in the general assembly.”

Walsh was unanimously selected for the position after Republican leaders poured over roughly 20 other candidates. She serves on the advisory board for an inner-city nonprofit organization that works to curb gang violence in Chicago's South Side.

Mary Edly-Allen

Walsh was selected by leading Republican voices in Illinois, like Lake County Republican Chairman Mark Shaw and Barrington Township Republican Committeeman Chris Geissler.

“Her business experience, along with her philanthropic work will allow her to be a strong voice in Springfield for our families,” Geissler said in a press release. “It certainly was a difficult decision, as we had many qualified applicants, but at the end of the day we saw Helene as our best opportunity to hold onto this seat in November.”

Sauer, who was serving his first term, abruptly resigned on Aug. 1 following a Politico report about a complaint filed by a former girlfriend accusing the lawmaker of creating a fake Instagram account featuring nude photos of her to lure men into "graphic" discussions.

Walsh now faces Democrat Mary Edly-Allen for Illinois’ 51st House District seat in November.

Walsh's husband, Joe Walsh, is a conservative radio host and a former U.S. representative. He wrote on Twitter that his wife would be "a strong independent voice for conservative values" and a "true citizen legislator."

District 51 includes Cook and Lake County.