SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Don Harmon has been elected as the next Illinois Senate president, becoming the first new leader of the Illinois General Assembly’s upper chamber in more than a decade.
Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat who was elected Sunday by a 37-12 margin, will replace Sen. John Cullerton.
The 71-year-old Cullerton last year announced his retirement after four decades in the General Assembly, including five terms as Senate president.
Speaking on Sunday evening, Harmon listed some of his priorities.
“To work together to help restore the public’s trust in Illinois government. While at the same time, similarly an urgent need for us to rationalize our tax policy by adopting the Illinois Fair Income Tax on the ballot in November, and finding a way to push down the pressure on property taxes,” Harmon said.
Harmon assumes the top leadership post in the Senate at a time when Democrats hold a supermajority in both General Assembly chambers.
Harmon beat out colleague Senator Kimberly Lightford. He thanked his supporters Sunday night.
“I stand before you humbled by your confidence. At times the contest was vigorous, and sometimes contentious,” Harmon said.
The new Senate president needed support from a majority of the chamber’s 59 members. Democrats currently hold 40 seats.
