Illinois state Senate President John Cullerton, a Democrat, will retire in January.
Cullerton represents Illinois' 6th District, which includes neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park and Lake View. His legislative career began in 1978, when he was elected to the Illinois State House. He was appointed to fill Dawn Clark Netsch's state Senate seat in 1991 after she was elected state comptroller.
He was elected state Senate president in 2009.
In part, Cullerton said in a statement, "I look forward to watching this august chamber and all you will accomplish. As we all know, there will be bumps in the road, but they will be paved over with new ideas and solutions, and a constantly changing body of members who are eager to bring their own vision and signature to our illustrious Illinois Senate.
"Thank you to my family, my friends, and my constituents, whose support and encouragement will always be the backbone of my efforts.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a separate statement, in part, "Amy and I both offer our heartfelt congratulations to President Cullerton, a true champion for Chicago, on an incredible career in the General Assembly. For over four decades, President Cullerton has devoted himself to serving the residents of Illinois, first as a public defender and member of the Illinois National Guard, then as an elected official in the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives."
Elections for the office of Illinois state Senate will take place in 2020.