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* Press release…
Senator Donald DeWitte Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election
West Dundee, Illinois— Illinois State Senator Donald P. DeWitte (R-St. Charles), a respected voice in the Illinois Legislature and a dedicated public servant for over three decades, announced today that he will not seek re-election at the conclusion of his current Senate term. Known for his steady leadership, pragmatic policymaking, and unwavering commitment to his constituents, DeWitte’s decision marks the end of a notable chapter in local and state politics.
“This has not been an easy decision,” DeWitte said. “Serving the people of the 33rd Senate District and previously as the Mayor of St. Charles have been among the greatest honors of my life. But after careful thought, heartfelt conversations with my wife, and deep reflection on what’s best for both my constituents and my own future, I have decided not to seek another term.”
DeWitte currently serves as the Minority Spokesperson for the influential Senate Revenue and Senate Transportation Committees, and also serves on the Senate Appropriations, Education, Environment & Conservation, Labor, and State Government Committees. Additionally, he serves the Senate Republican Caucus on the bipartisan and bicameral Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) and the Commission on Government Forecasting & Accountability (COGFA), which both require collaborative governance and consensus-building across party lines.
Upon his retirement from the Senate, DeWitte’s public service will have spanned nearly 35 years. He was first elected Alderman in the City of St. Charles in 1993, serving until 2005 before being elected Mayor, a position he held until 2013. He was then appointed to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) as Kane County’s representative until 2018, when he was appointed to the Illinois Senate. He was elected to full Senate terms in 2019 and 2023. DeWitte is also an Edgar Fellow, Class of 2019, as part of a statewide leadership development initiative that emphasizes bipartisan cooperation and ethical governance.
While serving in the Illinois Senate, DeWitte has been instrumental in advancing key legislation in areas such as transportation and infrastructure development, education reform, public safety, and working to create a stronger business environment. He has earned a reputation for working across the aisle and putting people over politics, fostering bipartisan solutions in an increasingly polarized climate.
DeWitte emphasized that his decision is not a retirement from public life, but rather a redirection of his energy. “I still believe deeply in public service, and I intend to remain active in our community and in our great state, working to support causes that strengthen our state and uplift those who need a voice.”
At this time, DeWitte says he intends to complete his current term, which expires in January of 2027.
“My priority remains serving the people who placed their trust in me. Over the next 18 months, I will continue to push forward the work we’ve started and will do my best to ensure a smooth transition to the next seat-holder.”
The petition circulation process for the 2026 election cycle begins in August of this year.
DeWitte is one of a handful of Republicans who works to be as bipartisan as he can, considering the times. He won the Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Senate Republican in 2021…
(A) classy guy who represents the “just get it done and don’t embarrass us” attitude most of his constituents (of all political stripes) hold. His work with Sen. Villivalam on the Transportation Committee is a model for bipartisan collaboration.
* The precincts that currently make up Sen. DeWitte’s district have collectively leaned Democratic starting in 2020. Not a single statewide Republican has carried it since then, albeit in the low-to-mid single digits.
In other words, he may have had a tough race next year and the SDems are probably favored to pick up the open seat, depending on candidates, etc.
Republican Rep. Dan Ugaste and Democratic Rep. Suzanne Ness are his two House members.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 17, 25 @ 12:18 pm
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If state Representative Suzanne Ness runs for the 33rd District open seat, look for the seat to be flipped. Ness was very active in April 1 elections this year helping elect Democrats up and down the ballot.
Plenty of younger Democrats who could run and hold the 66th District Ness seat.
Comment by John Lopez Thursday, Jul 17, 25 @ 12:32 pm
Big fan of Sen. DeWitte. Several years back, a fire broke out at a kennel in DuPage and tragically killed several dozen dogs because fire alarms were not linked to dispatch. Sen DeWitte worked with us immediately after and filed the Kennel Fire Safety Act which passed soon after. The law was the first in the U.S. to mandate kennels have one of the following: 24/7 staff, fire alarms linked to dispatch, or a fire suppression/sprinkler system. Thanks for all you’ve done for animals, Senator. We wish you the very best.
Comment by HumaneWorld Thursday, Jul 17, 25 @ 12:48 pm
Sen. DeWitte is a gracious and pragmatic public servant, and he’ll be missed in Springfield. Bipartisanship takes another hit with his retirement.
Comment by Linus Thursday, Jul 17, 25 @ 1:19 pm
~~~If state Representative Suzanne Ness runs for the 33rd District open seat, look for the seat to be flipped.~~~
Highly unlikely given the shift from Blue to Red at the Ugaste end of this District. No one knows who she is south of I90 in Elgin….hardly a knock-down to flip it.
Comment by Big Tent Thursday, Jul 17, 25 @ 5:51 pm
===given the shift from Blue to Red at the Ugaste end===
Trump won it by a point and so did Pritzker.
Overall, the Senate district is far more Dem than that.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 17, 25 @ 5:59 pm