September 28, 2017

Illinois State Legislators Not Running in 2018 (so far) 

Below you will find a list of state legislators who have resigned or who have announced that they are not running for re-election. Right now, I find I need to add a name about every day.

Some are running for higher office, but most are calling it quits because they are tired of the extreme partisan fighting in Springfield that now spills over into their districts with millions of PAC dollars used to defeat them next March in the primary or next November in the general election.

Is this a big list? Yes. Normal attrition in the Illinois House of Representatives has averaged about 16.5 members every two years in the prior eight General Assemblies. 23 members have already announced they’ve got a change of plans for 2019 and there is a whole year of primaries and general elections in 2018 that will make this total number grow.

As they approach the deadline to file petitions to run for office late this year, more will likely announce that they’ve had enough of this and are heading back home for good. Votes on tax increases and failure to reform our pension system are big issues to overcome.

But even those who are in complete harmony with their constituents, dread facing the task of running for re-election. A targeted House race can easily reach $1million in spending, and over $2 million in the Senate (each side). Some 2016 races were even higher than that.

I usually advise young people to look into the building trades when asked about possible career moves. But with all the new openings in the General Assembly, I might have to change my answer.

Seriously though, take a look at the names, district numbers, and their hometowns. If you live in one of these districts (or close by) and want to make a difference in Springfield, let me know now. We could always use a few more friendly faces in the Illinois General Assembly. Just know that there is a million dollars or more to overcome to obtain a $70,000 per year job.

       House Democrats 

  Emily McAsey (85^th – Lockport)

Brandon Phelps (118^th – Norris City)

Scott Drury (58^th – Highland Park)

Cynthia Soto (4^th – Chicago)

Litesa Wallace (67^th – Rockford)

Juliana Stratton (5^th – Chicago)

Elaine Nekritz (57^th – Northbrook)

Dan Beiser (111^th – Alton)

Carol Sente (59^th – Vernon Hills)

Laura Fine (17^th – Glenview)

Barbara Flynn Currie (25^th – Chicago)

Al Riley (38^th – Olympia Fields)

House Republicans

Bob Pritchard (70^th – Hinckley)

Chad Hays (104^th – Catlin)

Barb Wheeler (64^th – Crystal Lake)

Patti Bellock (47^th – Hinsdale)

Bill Mitchell (101^th – Forsyth)

Mike Fortner (49^th – West Chicago)

Steve Andersson (65^th – Geneva)

Sara W. Jimenez (99^th – Springfield)

Brian Stewart (89^th – Freeport)

John Cavaletto (107^th – Salem)

Reggie Phillips (110^th – Charleston)

Senate Democrats

Dan Biss (9^th – Evanston)

Bill Haine (56^th – Alton)

Jim Clayborne (57^th – Belleville)

Senate Republicans

Christine Radogno (41^st – Lemont)

Tim Bivens (45^th – Dixon)

Kyle McCarter (54^th – Lebanon)

Pam Althoff (32^nd – Crystal Lake)

Constitutional Officers

Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D – Chicago)