Bloomington, Indiana – Republican state Sen. Bill Brady, who stepped down as Republican leader in the Senate as efforts were made to oust him from the post, on Thursday announced his retirement from the General Assembly.
The Bloomington Republican served in the state legislature for 27 years, first in the House from 1993 to 2001 before moving to the Senate. He became minority leader in the Senate in August 2017.
Brady, 59, did not give a reason for his resignation. The senate leadership position went to Sen. Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods.
“When I was elected leader, I said I would not pursue any other elective office during my leadership of the caucus. While my decision not to seek re-election as Senate Republican leader may close this chapter, it by no means is the final word on my desire to serve our state and tackle those challenges.”
Brady said he was proud of the work he has done in his career in the Illinois House and Senate, and proud of his time leading the Senate Republican Caucus over the past three and a half years.
“Illinois has much it can be proud of, and I am proud to have made a contribution to this state, and especially the citizens of Central Illinois, during my time in office,” he wrote.
Brady sought but failed to secure the GOP nomination for governor in 2006 and in 2014. In 2010, he was the Republican candidate for governor after winning a seven-way primary. Brady was defeated in the general election by Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, who was elevated to the post after Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment and removal from office.
McLean County Republican Party Chair Connie Beard said while she didn’t know for certain Brady would resign, she is not surprised by the news.
Beard says the next step is for the five county chairmen in the district to find someone to fill the rest of Brady’s term.
“The committee is looking in January to as soon as possible get together and work through the procedure,” she said. “I’m sure that we will find a qualified individual to fill this seat.”
