About Brian
Brian Stewart is a fifth-generation northwest Illinois resident. In his youth, Brian spent most of his formative years in public housing and would often go to bed hungry. His humble upbringing served as the primary motivation to leave public housing and make something of himself.
After attending Freeport High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. Brian was awarded an honorable discharge and returned to Freeport to serve as a Stephenson County Sheriff’s Deputy. He served in several capacities and eventually rose to sergeant. During this time, he was assigned to a major case squad, which overlapped the nine northwestern-most counties in Illinois – an area encompassing almost the entire 45th District.
Stewart retired early from law enforcement to start his own business, and today Stewart and Associates employs over 600 people throughout two dozen businesses. Most of these businesses are located in Northern Illinois.
In addition to his professional career, Senator Stewart was previously an elected Freeport alderman and Freeport township trustee. He was Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Vice Chair of Community Development. Brian also served as Chairman and Board Member of the Northwest Illinois Criminal Justice Commission, the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, Stephenson County Emergency Telephone System (911) and the Northwest Illinois Development Alliance.
Additionally, he is a former campaign chairman and board member of the United Way of Northwest Illinois. He co-chaired the FHN Foundation – Be Cancer Free Campaign for the Leonard Ferguson Cancer Center, and was the Charter President of the Stephenson County Employees – UAW Local 2261. Stewart is a current member of the Freeport Illinois Noon Rotary Club, AMVETS Post 32, and the Stephenson County Farm Bureau.
Senator Brian Stewart is a lifelong Republican because, as his personal story proves, anyone can achieve the American dream. Humble beginnings do not preclude success, and that is only possible because of the American exceptionalism that Senator Stewart is committed to defending.