(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A northern suburban state senator is stepping down from his seat.
Republican state senator Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods has announced he's resigning from the state Senate effective Feb. 2.
He's been serving the 26th District for nearly nine years.
McConchie says he's grateful for what he was able to accomplish in that time, calling serving in the state Senate the honor of a lifetime.
“As my time in the Senate comes to an end, I’m grateful for what I was able to accomplish for the people of Illinois. It was an honor of a lifetime and one that I will cherish forever,” McConchie said in a released statement. “As I look to the future, I know that there is more that I can do. My desire to create positive impact in the lives of others has not gone away, it’s just expanded to the most vulnerable no matter where they live across the country.
“I want to thank my wife, Milena, and my kids for allowing me to serve the people of Illinois in this capacity these past several years. In many ways, they have carried the burden of service even more than me. I will forever be grateful to them.”
In 2020, McConchie was elected to serve as the Senate Republican Leader. McConchie highlighted his work in removing barriers for people with disabilities and in equitable education.
“While I always possessed a desire to serve my country and my community, I never aspired to be an elected official, and certainly not a politician,” McConchie said in a released statement. “It was my friends and neighbors who asked me to step up and run for office so I could bring common sense values to Springfield. It was these citizens who convinced me to run for office to help make Illinois a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
There's no word on McConchie's future plans or who might replace him in the state Senate. McConchie is the first paraplegic legislator in Illinois history.
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