James Marter
Republican candidate for U.S. House in Illinois
IL-14 Republican nominee?
$5.2K
MAR 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
James Marter is trading at 99% to win the IL-14 Republican nominee? on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleInformation technology/software consultant
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age63 years old (Jan 2, 1963)
GenderMale
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LocationIllinois
BackgroundInformation technology/software consultant
EducationPurdue University — BS, Industrial Management (minor in Computer Science), 1984
Notable personal detailsJames Thomas “Jim” Marter is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. He has worked as an information technology/software consultant and has described himself as self-employed through Marter Enterprises since 2002. He has served as a trustee on the Oswego Library District board and has been elected Kendall County Republican Party chairman.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports cutting taxes and reducing the size and scope of the federal government, including broad across‑the‑board tax rate reductions and simplifying the tax code. He endorses family tax relief (support for a child tax credit), elimination of the estate/death tax, and opposes large federal spending measures he says increase inflation.
Healthcare
The candidate supports repealing the Affordable Care Act and favors reducing the size and scope of the federal government’s role in healthcare. His campaign emphasizes cutting federal involvement in healthcare and expanding private-market options.
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Immigration & Border
Supports strong border enforcement and stricter immigration measures, calling for securing the border and deportation of non-citizens involved in supporting terrorism or unlawful activity. Criticizes opponents for 'unfettered open borders' and frames immigration as a national security and public-safety issue.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Opposes abortion and supports banning or severely restricting it at the federal level; has described himself as uncompromisingly pro-life and seeks to eliminate public funding for abortion providers. Public statements and campaign materials indicate opposition to abortion with no or very limited exceptions.
Climate & Energy
Supports American energy independence and an "all-of-the-above" approach to energy production, calls for reversing federal policies he views as raising energy costs, and emphasizes local energy solutions and competition. Positions prioritize increased fossil-fuel production and reduced regulatory constraints rather than aggressive emissions targets or phasedown of fossil fuels.
Public Safety & Guns
James Marter strongly supports Second Amendment rights, opposes recent Illinois gun- and magazine-restriction laws, and expresses support for law enforcement. He has criticized state-level gun bans and opposed efforts to limit lawful gun ownership.
Latest News
James Marter is in the news as the Republican challenger to Rep. Lauren Underwood in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District race. Recent coverage mainly places him in the context of the 2026 campaign, with Underwood already holding town halls and the race taking shape. Earlier reports said Marter was competing in the Republican primary and focusing on fiscal issues like cutting government spending.
14th District GOP candidates say curbing government spending, overreach are top issues
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DeKalb County’s official March 2026 primary election results
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Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2022
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements