* Press release…

The Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) today announced state Rep. Maurice West will serve as the state party’s newest Democratic State Central Committee member for the 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockford, the Quad Cities and Peoria. The selection of West follows the death of State Central Committee member Don Johnston last month.

West was selected through a weighted vote of the Democratic county chairs that make up the 14 counties of the 17th Congressional District last evening. A Rockford native, West is serving his second term as representative of the 67th Illinois House District. He’s been active in local, state and national politics for nearly a decade.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Rep. Maurice West and the Rockford community to the Democratic State Central Committee,” Robin Kelly, Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, said. “I’m confident Maurice’s extensive experiences in the local churches and schools, along with his enthusiasm for serving his community, will bring important ideas and energy as we enter the 2022 election cycle.”

West has championed many initiatives to move Illinois forward as state representative, including bringing over $2 million for job training and youth employment programs to Rockford to close a persistent skills gap in the area. West is also a strong advocate of mental health and restorative justice programs.

“Rep. Maurice West has always been dedicated to our community and is highly respected for his many efforts to improve the Rockford area,” Kate Jennings, 17th District State Central Committeeperson, said. “I look forward to partnering with Maurice to support the 17th Congressional District and the Democratic Party of Illinois as we build a strong, engaged and diverse party across our state.”

West is deeply involved in his community. He is an ordained minister and active member of his church. He regularly works with the homeless and is the founder of Share the Warmth – Rockford, which provides clothing for the homeless each year. West previously served on the Education Committee of the Rockford Public School Board as well as the Rockford Park District Foundation. He has also served on the boards for the Community Action Agency, Rockford Area Arts Council and Rockford Association for Minority Management.

“I’m excited and honored to represent the 17th Congressional district on the Democratic State Central Committee,” West said. “My life’s mission is to lift up the people and communities around me. I will be fully active and engaged in all 14 counties that represent this unique district and I’m ready to get to work as we head into a critical election year.”

West’s term begins immediately. A full list of the Democratic State Central Committee members can be found here.

Rep. West has been quite impressive since his 2018 election. You’ll recall he was the only Black House member to demand that Speaker Madigan resign. But he’s so well-regarded that it had zero negative impact and he was unanimously elected Secretary of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus last December.