South West Illinois News

In a Sept. 17 Facebook post, Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) endorsed Wavey Lester II for the 57th Senate District seat.

“Wavey Lester is without exception one of the best candidates I have ever seen. If you live in the Metro East please consider voting for this awesome man. If you do not live in his district please consider donating to his campaign. He is worth your consideration and your vote," Bryant posted.

Bryant shared a link to a YouTube video put together by Lester. In that video, he compared himself to incumbent Sen. Christopher Belt (R-Freeburg), whom he is challenging for the Senate seat.

According to his campaign website, Wavey is "a Constitutional conservative-minded military veteran and entrepreneur running for State Senate to represent the 57th District. While many people are fleeing Illinois, Wavey believes there is still hope for the state. However, the clock is ticking. If people don't step up and fight to make a difference, Illinois will continue to become less and less desirable for people to want to call home."

The website further states, "He currently resides in Millstadt with his wife Sara and 2 beautiful kids and has lived in the 57th District since 2002. Since leaving the military in 2006 with an honorable discharge, Wavey became an entrepreneur (real estate investor/business owner) and political enthusiast. Wavey served on a local school board for 3 years. Just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, he volunteered to serve as as auxiliary police officer."