Jeanne Ives served three terms as an Illinois State Representative. First elected in 2012, Representative Ives demonstrated not only a willingness to lead on difficult issues and question powerful House leaders, but also an insightful understanding of policy.
In keeping with her fiscally conservative principles, she refused both a taxpayer funded pension and healthcare. Her legislation has been recognized throughout the state. During her tenure, Representative Ives focused on bringing about true pension and tax reform in the state, government transparency, and advocating for school choice. Her opinion pieces have been published in the Chicago Tribune, The Federalist and the Wall Street Journal as well as several political news sites.
In 2018, she was enlisted by Illinois families and business owners, as well as legislative colleagues to run a campaign for Governor after incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner betrayed his campaign promises to fiscally reform government and pursue no social agenda.
In 2020, Representative Ives ran for Congress against Democrat incumbent Sean Casten. Her effort was not successful, but her campaign created a new momentum in the suburbs for conservative thought.
As such, Jeanne started a non-profit Breakthrough Ideas whose mission is to build the infrastructure and conservative networks (online and grassroots) needed to advance conservative ideas and Republican candidates in the suburbs.
Representative Ives graduated in the West Point Class of 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She went on to serve in the US Army. Her assignments included platoon leader and headquarters detachment commander for transportation units in Germany and ROTC instructor at Wheaton College.
She resigned from the Army in 1993 to raise her children. At the same time, she worked as a tax advisor and bookkeeper for small businesses and individuals.
Prior to her election to the Illinois House, Ives served on the Wheaton City Council, where her tenure was marked by conservative leadership and an unwavering commitment to the taxpayers’ bottom line.
Her awards include Champion of Free Enterprise from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the inaugural Titanium Backbone Award from Illinois Family Institute for her pro-family stances, and 100% rating from the American Conservative Union.
Jeanne has lived in Wheaton for 29 years with her husband, Paul (also a USMA Class of 1987 graduate), and their 5 children. The tradition continues with three sons serving in the military.
One of her greatest joys was coaching the championship St. Michael Boys and Girls Cross Country teams for 12 years as a parent volunteer
