On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Illinois State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) was confirmed as Illinois Senate Republican Leader following the inauguration of the 102nd General Assembly.
“I’m humbled and honored to accept the role of Senate Republican Leader and promise to do my best every day to deserve the confidence and trust my caucus has placed in me,” said McConchie. “I want to work with the whole chamber to pass meaningful reform for more economic freedom and opportunity that allows citizens the room to use their creativity to pursue the American dream.”
Leader McConchie was nominated by Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris), who will serve as his Deputy Republican Leader.
“It is no secret that he is one of the sharpest intellects in the Senate,” Rezin said. “It isn’t his mind alone, but his constant quest for knowledge and effort to understand every issue that comes before him that has made him the incredibly informed senator we work with today.”
Sen. Rezin’s nomination was seconded by Illinois State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) who will serve as the Republican Caucus Chair.
“Sen. McConchie is someone who is a policy-focused, strategic thinker,” Barickman said. “Our job is to be problem-solvers, and I have the utmost confidence that he will help to advance those policies that will help to make Illinois the best place to live and raise a family.”
“Dan views the significant challenges facing Illinois with a belief that proper leadership and a willingness to make tough decisions will help rebuild our state,” said Illinois State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), who also seconded his nomination and will serve as the Senate Republican Caucus Whip. “He believes it is possible for Illinois to reclaim its position as a national leader, and once again be a place where families want to put down roots and employers want to do business.”
During Leader McConchie’s acceptance speech following the nominations, he focused on the need for unity to bring the chamber together to pass meaningful reform.
“As legislators, we should never fear the discourse of disagreement on issues that matter,” McConchie said. “The instinct and ambition to tear down has crowded out the goal of building up. As the minority leader I will do my part to work with every willing member of this General Assembly to help us change course.”
He also discussed the challenges he has faced in his life and how he will utilize his experience to bring more meaningful change to Illinois.
“As someone who has a disability, I understand adversity. My experience in the infantry taught me my life motto – adapt and overcome,” McConchie said. “I have had to overcome many obstacles to get to this point today and I have set my sights on overcoming many more in the days ahead.”
Leader McConchie also stressed the need for substantive change throughout the legislative process.
“It is not about having and maintaining power for its own ends,” he said. “It is about leaving our communities and this state a little better than we found it.
Leader McConchie has served as state senator to the 26th District of Illinois, which includes the northwest Chicago suburbs, since 2016 and currently works as an energy consultant with Verde Solutions, a full service energy consulting firm.
Prior to his current position, McConchie spent 20 years working in public affairs and advocacy and served nine years in the infantry and military police in the Army National Guard.
He and his wife, Milena, reside in Hawthorn Woods and have two adult daughters.