ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — Illinois GOP Rep. John Shimkus announced Friday on the Mark Reardon Show that he will not run for reelection in 2020.
Shimkus was joined in the KMOX studio by his wife Karen, who says since their three boys are now raised and mostly out of the house, it's time for a change. Shimkus will serve out his current term through January of 2020.
Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner heard about Shimkus not seeking another term as she was driving down Interstate 64. She called into the Mark Reardon Show, and says Shimkus is, "a happy warrior," saying he always had a positive outlook, and sometimes a joke to make the day brighter. Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis also called in, saying it's "bittersweet" to see his mentor winding down his career in Congress.
In his 12th term right now, Shimkus was reelected in 2018 with more than 70% of the vote. He has represented Illinois' 15th Congressional District since 2013, before that he was represented Illinois' 19th Congressional District, since 2003.
He's a lifelong resident of Collinsville, Ill. and earned a bachelor's degree at the United State Military Academy. He then received an M.B.A. from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville after fulfilling his military duty for five years.