Lake County Gazette

Senator Dan McConchie, representing Illinois' 26th District, has announced his retirement from the state Senate, effective February 2. The announcement was made in a post on X on January 27.

"Today, I am announcing that I am retiring from the Illinois Senate effective February 2," McConchie said in his post. "Representing the people of the 26th District for the past 8+ years has been an amazing experience. And leaving is bittersweet as I will certainly miss serving the constituents of this area, but I cannot wait for what’s next."

According to the Daily Herald, McConchie was involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Mundelein in 2007, which resulted in a spinal cord injury and has required him to use a wheelchair for mobility. Despite this life-changing event, he has continued to serve actively in public office.

Screenshot of the Senator's Jan. 27 post on X. | Dan McConchie

"As a society, we are judged by how we care for the weakest among us," McConchie said. "When I became disabled 17 years ago, society stepped in with supports and programs to ensure I was not left behind."

McConchie currently serves on several committees including Education, Transportation, Insurance, Labor, and Health & Human Services Appropriations. Throughout his tenure, he has supported policies aimed at promoting job growth, reducing government size, and enacting ethics reforms to combat corruption. He played a key role in negotiating an overhaul of the state's school funding system to increase equity and support for Illinois' neediest schools.

McConchie is married to Milena and they have two daughters, Allegra and Klara. "A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years serve the state as Senator," he said. "I owe an even bigger thanks to my wonderful wife, Milena, and my kids who bore the burden of service even more than me."

Illinois' 26th Senate District is located in the northern part of the state covering portions of Lake, McHenry, Kane, and Cook counties. The district includes suburban and semi-rural communities with residential areas, forest preserves, and small businesses. Notable towns include Lake Zurich, Barrington, and Mundelein.