Daniel R. Helmer Jr.
Daniel R. Helmer Jr., an 18-year-old political commentator on YouTube, is running for mayor of Rockford, Illinois as an Independent write-in candidate, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to making a great impact on the community.
He was born and raised in Rockford, and he tends to stay. He first got an interest in public service at a young age, learning about many of the presidents, such as John Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt. He wants to make a change, and change starts at a local level. He has been funding himself through his YouTube channel since May, 2024, where he spreads history through a simple and accessible format.
He also engages with his community through posts that encourage civil conversations with all different viewpoints. He has amassed a good number of books that he feels have made him into a more grounded and knowledgeable person. He is currently enrolled at Jefferson High School, but his mind is fresh, and he believes he has ideas that can make his city better.
Helmer has garnered over 47 million views on YouTube and more than 26,000 subscribers.
The Start Of The Helmerch Business
In December 2024, Daniel Helmer began creating a clothing store dedicated to the Presidents, honoring these historical figures in an entertaining manner. By January 2025, he officially founded the sole proprietorship, offering shirts and hoodies for sale. Helmer leveraged the support he gained from his YouTube channel to create Helmerch, receiving over 2,000 votes to start a clothing business.
Helmer competing in the 5th round of the IHSA State Tournament in Peoria, Illinois on February 15. (Final individual tournament record: 4-1-2).