Greg Hacker Wins GOP Nomination for Morgan County Commissioner

Retired Illinois State Police Captain Greg Hacker secured the Republican nomination for Morgan County commissioner at-large on March 17, defeating Vikkie Becker by a nearly two-to-one margin, 1,760 votes to 871, setting up a November showdown against Democratic appointee Dr. Michael Woods.

Hacker, a Jacksonville native and MacMurray College graduate, brought a lengthy public safety resume to his first run for elected office. He spent 8½ years with the Jacksonville Police Department, one year with the Morgan County Sheriff's Department, and 2½ years with the Illinois Department of Corrections before retiring from the Illinois State Police at the rank of captain. He and his wife Amy have been married 30 years and have two sons and two grandchildren.

After the results came in, Hacker called the campaign experience "humbling" and praised his Republican opponent. "Vikkie Becker was a class act throughout the campaign," he said. He credited his background in labor negotiations and management as his biggest asset heading into the general election.

On the issues, Hacker has focused on infrastructure, specifically updating and expanding the county's electric grid and extending broadband service to rural areas, along with property taxes and assessments and housing. He has described himself as a pragmatic, collaborative problem-solver, pointing to his years leading teams, coordinating across agencies, and making high-stakes decisions under pressure as preparation for managing county operations.

Woods, who was appointed to the commissioner seat in 2024, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and drew 939 votes. The other countywide offices on the ballot, county clerk, sheriff, and county treasurer, were all uncontested in the primary.

Elsewhere on the March 17 ballot, a South Jacksonville fire protection district proposal was narrowly defeated, 282 to 265. In a South Jacksonville precinct committeeman race, Kem Wilson defeated Michaelene Oldennettel 47 to 18.

Hacker, a first-time candidate for any political office, will face Woods in the November general election for the at-large seat on the Morgan County Commission.