Ottawa Democrat Amy ‘Murri’ Briel to run for Lance Yednock’s seat

Amy “Murri” Briel, an Ottawa native and “lifelong Democrat,” is campaigning for the 76th House District seat being vacated by state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa.

Briel serves as chief of staff to Yednock, who announced earlier this year that he is not seeking reelection in 2024.

He is supporting Briel’s candidacy for the seat.

Briel said she “comes from a family of veterans, laborers and farmers. She is a mother and wife who has spent the better part of her career working in nonprofits and public service.”

“As Rep. Yednock’s chief of staff and with his mentorship, I’ve worked on issues and legislation affecting folks in every corner of the district,” Briel said. “Their hopes are my hopes, and their worries are my worries. It has been the privilege of my life to help serve the people of the Illinois Valley region, and in doing so, I’ve come to find that there are real, practical solutions to many of the problems our district faces.

“Whether it be our crumbling infrastructure, rural health care deserts or threats to women’s rights, we need leaders who can not only identify solutions but also navigate the Illinois state Legislature and enact meaningful change. I have spent the last number of years working to do exactly that in my capacity as chief of staff to Rep. Lance Yednock, and I hope to continue that work as the next state representative for the 76th District.”

For information, visit www.MurriForThe76th.com or contact the campaign at FriendsForMurriBriel@gmail.com. Follow Briel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MurriFor76.

The general primary election in Illinois is March 19. The 76th District comprises La Salle, Bureau and DeKalb counties, including the cities of Ottawa, La Salle, Peru, DeKalb and Spring Valley.

Carolyn Zasada, 1st Ward alderwoman for DeKalb, and DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes also have announced that they’ll seek the seat for 76th District in the Illinois House in 2024 as Democrats.

Liz Bishop of Peru announced that she will seek the seat as a Republican.