WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Ernie Marcelain

Patti Vasquez is joined by Ernie Marcelain, 2026 candidate for Illinois Senate District 38. Candidate Background- Ernie grew up in Sandwich, Illinois, experienced financial hardship due to his father’s long-term layoff, and began working immediately after high school to support his family.- His work history includes union manufacturing roles, firefighting and paramedic training, and more than 22 years as a shipping and receiving manager.- He said his motivation for running is to make a lasting difference and remain accessible to constituents.District Concerns- Residents across the district are frustrated by data-center development, limited transparency, and difficulty reaching their state senator, Republican Sue Rezin.- Ernie emphasized one-on-one conversations across party lines, stronger union protections, broader mental-health access, and removing Flock cameras. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.