IL state senate - 45th district
Joe Berning
Berning was born and raised on a dairy and hog farm just north of Galena, Illinois, one of seven siblings. He and his wife Christine have been married nearly 45 years and raised three children; their growing family now includes 19 members.
A high-energy person from an early age, Joe balanced school and extracurriculars with farm chores, instilling a strong work ethic. After high school, he farmed with his father until age 24, when a younger brother took over the partnership.
Joe then built a 44-year career in sales, marketing, and management, helping others to reach their goals while gaining valuable experience across small and large businesses. He continuously sharpened his skills through top-tier seminars in sales, communication, and marketing.
One lesson he carries with him: “No client, customer, or constituent will care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
His first major role after farming was with a Fortune 500 feed company, managing sales teams across multiple Illinois counties. In 2000, he became a Prudential Insurance agent, operating his own office in Galena for a decade before moving into a multifaceted manufacturing and sales company serving the construction industry.
By 2005, he returned to the feed and livestock equipment business, reconnecting with the rural communities he loved. In 2012, he launched his own venture, JB Consulting.
An active community member, Joe has sung in his church choir for over 50 years, including a dozen as its director.
By 2017, seeing family farms decline at an alarming rate, Joe increasingly engaged in agricultural policy advocacy. His consulting work often led to calls with members of Congress and USDA officials.
In 2019, he retired to focus on political involvement, joining the Jo Daviess County Democrats. Frustrated by poor leadership and communication from the current state senator of Illinois District 45, Joe now campaigns to win that seat, in November 2026 against incumbent Andrew Chesney.
Learn more at BerningforIllinois.com
Link to our map page showing District 45
Link to an interactive IL Senate Map
