Ben Webb grew up in Rockford, Illinois in a close-knit, working family. His father was a warehouse manager and union member, and his mother worked in retail before returning to school to become a teacher. After high school, Webb attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where he realized his passion for theater while preparing to become a high school teacher. While working backstage on a theater production of “Nickel and Dimed”, Ben met an actress named Rachel. They married in 2012 at St. Patrick of Merna Catholic Church in Bloomington.
After Augustana, Ben taught English in Champaign before finding his home at University High School in Normal. At U-High, Ben found the opportunity to help his students grow and think critically while working with the next generation of teachers in a unique laboratory school setting.
Through his time as a teacher, Ben saw firsthand how mismanagement at the state level negatively impacts teachers and students. Feeling that his community’s best interests were not being represented in Springfield, Ben announced his candidacy for the Illinois State House of Representatives in District 105 on November 1st.
While Ben’s experience as a teacher has given him a unique perspective, he knows the state’s dysfunction is far bigger than any one issue. Working families need good schools, affordable health care, good paying jobs, and a secure retirement.
We need representation that works every day for the needs of working families. We need representation that considers all voices, not just the loudest and most wealthy. We need representation that is proactive and challenges the status quo, because our communities and students deserve nothing less.