GIBSON CITY, Ill. – A State Senator who serves portions of Peoria, Woodford, and Tazewell Counties is stepping down.
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett (R-GIbson City) announced Wednesday that he plans to retire at the end of his current term in January 2025.
Bennett was appointed State Senator in 2023 after previously serving as a State Representative in the 106th District from 2015 until 2023.
“Serving in the General Assembly has been one of the most challenging, amazing and rewarding times in my life,” said Bennett. “The only way I know how to do this job is full-time, often six or seven days-a-week and my family and I have decided that after this term it is time to slow down,” Bennett said.
The former high school and junior high science teacher focused on education issues in his time in the Senate, noting an effort to pass bipartisan legislation to address teacher shortages in Illinois.
Bennett says one of the things he’s enjoyed most in his time as a legislator is the people he’s met.
“It’s amazing what my staff has done over the last nine years for countless constituents across our district and our state to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Bennett said.
Bennett says he is making the announcement now so the people he represents are in the best position to elect a new leader.
