Chris Boyster is a product of Illinois and the working values that made Illinois strong. Born and raised in the southern Illinois town of Sparta, his parents were both factory workers and met while working at the same factory. His father eventually got a job as a postal worker.

As the manufacturing base in Illinois eroded, the factory closed, Chris’ parents – like so many others – found themselves without a way to care for their families. His father’s postal job, dependent on the local factory, was transferred over 100 miles away while his mother eventually found work at another factory equally as far from home. The trauma of unemployment and the needs of working families would always be central to Chris’ future work. 

 
Despite their own setbacks, Chris’ parents instilled the belief that hard work and education would lead to success. Unable to afford a four-year university, Chris enrolled at Southwestern Illinois Community College and received his Associate of Arts Degree. Desiring to further his education and affect change, Chris went to Eastern Illinois University where he earned a BA in political science and journalism. 

 
Chris’ hard work led to an internship in the office of the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President during the Clinton Administration. Although Washington, DC was exciting, and being part of a Presidential administration a great honor, Chris’s heart was focused on helping working families and an opportunity to advocate for family farmers brought him back to Central Illinois. In the decade that followed, Chris worked to advance causes such as expanding agricultural exportation, reducing crime and preventing violence in our communities. He continues to lobby State officials on issues of importance to him and his community. 

 
Chris chose to live and raise his son in a diverse neighborhood near Downtown Springfield. A natural organizer and fighter, Chris’s frustration with rising crime, unaccountable landlords and crumbling infrastructure in his neighborhood compelled him to action by running against an eight year incumbent on the Sangamon County Board. Like everything he has done in his life, Chris worked tirelessly and won. 

 
On the County Board, Chris has been a voice for the most underserved. He regularly fights through government bureaucracy on behalf of the residents of his District. He hosts his neighborhood association presidents along with their Alderman for regular meetings to discuss issues in the District. He has been a strong advocate for priority spending and finding alternative revenues. He recently introduced a discount prescription drug program which expanded the savings and services offered under the current program, and at no cost to the tax payer.

Chris is the secretary of his neighborhood association, a member of Springfield Frontiers International and many other civic organizations. Chris also volunteers to deliver meals to seniors through the local senior service center.