Dillan Vancil

Dillan Vancil and his wife, Alyssa, started Dame Fine Coffee with a small trailer.¹ The company's name draws on the first initials of the couple and their two sons.² The business has since expanded into multiple locations in Illinois and Iowa.³ Vancil was born in Monmouth and graduated from West Central High School.⁴

His earlier career was in the rail industry, including work as a railroad engineer and union legislative advocacy.⁴ His campaign account describes efforts to improve worker safety, working conditions and employment opportunities through union legislative work.¹ In a 2023 radio interview, he discussed experiments with freeze dried candy and plans to expand sugar free drink options at his coffee shops.⁵

Vancil served on the West Central school board from 2021 to 2025, including service as vice president.⁶.¹ He has also served on the Eagle View Health System board.¹ He is the Republican nominee challenging Democratic incumbent Eric Sorensen in Illinois' 17th District.⁷

His platform emphasizes expanded coal, natural gas and nuclear energy production, along with more transparent healthcare prices.⁶ He proposes exempting the first $25,000 of individual income and $50,000 for married couples from federal income tax, while opposing an increase in Social Security payroll taxes.⁶ On immigration, he favors enforcing existing laws and greater cooperation between local police and federal immigration agencies.⁶