Garcia-Martinez, who is an immigrant rights activist and DeKalb schools teacher, is challenging incumbent state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, for his District 70 seat. In Springfield, Briel’s focus has been on agriculture, healthcare, and special education. State Rep. Amy "Murri" Briel (left) delivers remarks in front of a crowd of people on Friday, July 31, 2026, during a special education town hall in Cortland. State Rep. Amy "Murri" Briel offers remarks in front of a crowd of people on Friday, July 31, 2026, during a special education town hall in Cortland. “I give a lot of good trouble, especially with the former superintendent of schools here in DeKalb,” Garcia-Martinez said.