Rep. Smith won’t run for reelection
Monday, Sep 15, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago)…
After much thought and careful consideration, I’ve decided not to seek reelection. Serving as a member of the Illinois General Assembly in the House of Representatives has been an honor of a lifetime. Serving the people of the 34th Representative District and the state of Illinois has been an absolute privilege. As I look forward to the next chapter in my life, I’m confident the next representative of the mighty 34th District will serve with distinction, integrity, and honor.
Rep. Smith told me he’ll serve out his term. He said he has not picked a favorite to replace him, but his district’s ward and township committeepersons have all been notified.
He’s gonna be missed. A lot.
- NIU Grad - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 12:45 pm:
There’s about to be a long list of would-be candidates who are going to see the size of that district and say “…maybe not for me.”
Seriously, is there a good reason why we’re losing so many of our experienced legislators in Springfield?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 12:47 pm:
===who are going to see the size of that district===
Yeah, it’s quite something.
- City Zen - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 1:20 pm:
==who are going to see the size of that district and say “…maybe not for me.”==
Feature, not a bug.
- Chicago Voter - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 1:21 pm:
Not happy to hear this. Nick is a great guy.
- hmmm - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 1:23 pm:
I’m heartbroken; he was a great Rep!
- Remember the Alamo II - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 1:23 pm:
=== Seriously, is there a good reason why we’re losing so many of our experienced legislators in Springfield? ===
The existing political environment is extremely toxic and its going to get worse before it gets better. After what has transpired over the past 8 months, people really have to take a look and see if this is something that they want to put themselves or their families through. The threats of violence, the over the top rhetoric, the increasing strain on government resources. The job is not just difficult, it is becoming untenable.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 1:27 pm:
===The threats of violence===
The attack on those Minnesota legislators’ homes is weighing heavily on everyone.
- Excitable Boy - Monday, Sep 15, 25 @ 1:35 pm:
- The attack on those Minnesota legislators’ homes is weighing heavily on everyone. -
Unfortunately not on my Twitter feed. There’s a certain group of people that don’t seem to remember that incident at all.