“Being your State Central Committeeman allows me to build relationships, earn political trust, and deliver results that matter to our communities.”
Peter Janko serves as the Democratic State Central Committeeman for Illinois’ 11th Congressional District, representing Congressman Bill Foster’s district. First elected in 2018, Peter is running for a third term to continue his work connecting Illinois voters, communities, and state leadership. Unlike appointed political roles, this position is directly elected by Democratic voters, giving Peter a platform to turn activism into tangible impact.
A Lifetime of Civic Engagement
Peter has dedicated decades to community service, historic preservation, and public advocacy. He currently serves on the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission, helping to identify, preserve, and restore sites of historical significance.
He has partnered with leading preservation organizations, including:
- Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI)
- Landmarks Illinois
- Frank Lloyd Wright Trust
Peter also served on the Board of Directors of the Preservation Trades Network (PTN), a national nonprofit that supports skilled traditional trades and ensures the conservation of historic structures for future generations.
Preserving our history strengthens our communities and educates future generations.
The Role of the State Central Committeeman
Many voters are unfamiliar with the Democratic State Central Committee, but Peter has leveraged this platform to influence policy at the highest levels. The Committee is the governing body of the Democratic Party of Illinois, responsible for setting rules, guiding policy, supporting candidates, and strengthening local organizations.
Political Capital in Action
By building personal relationships with legislators, Peter has developed political capital—the credibility, trust, and influence necessary to move ideas from concept to action. This has allowed him to advocate effectively for key initiatives, even in challenging political environments.
Key Accomplishments
Restoring Passenger Rail Service to Rockford
Service had been discontinued for over 30 years. Decades of restoration efforts stalled, including a near-success halted by Governor Rauner. Peter’s advocacy, including his work to extend Metra commuter service from Elburn to DeKalb and NIU, caught Amtrak’s attention. In late 2018, he was invited to help secure funding in the state budget, and the project was successfully included.
Repeal of the Grocery Tax
During his campaign for State Representative in the 69th District, Peter made repealing the grocery tax on food and medicine his top priority. While running in a heavily Republican district (R+35), he overperformed expectations, showing bipartisan support for the issue. Ultimately, the grocery tax repeal became law—proving you don’t have to hold office to influence legislation.
Protecting Families Online: Government Age Verification (GAVE)
Peter’s next focus is Government Age Verification (GAVE), a proposal that would allow Illinois residents to safely and privately verify their age online.
We can protect children from inappropriate online content without exposing families to identity theft, credit card fraud, or misuse of private data.
The system would be managed by the Secretary of State, providing a secure Age Verification Number (AVN) for Illinois residents. No names, birthdates, or sensitive information are shared with websites, social media platforms, or third-party verification services—keeping privacy and safety at the forefront.
Why Peter Runs
Peter Janko believes in service that delivers real results. Whether restoring rail service, repealing unfair taxes, preserving historic landmarks, or protecting families online, he combines experience, relationships, and persistence to get things done.
He lives in Marengo, Illinois, with his family and continues to be actively engaged in civic initiatives, public policy, and community advocacy.
Dedication, persistence, and strategic advocacy can create meaningful change for communities across Illinois.