Dillard resigns; officials name Nybo replacement
Longtime state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, announced his resignation from the post as he moves on to be chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority board.
Local Republican leaders appointed Chris Nybo, an attorney from Elmhurst and former state lawmaker, to serve the rest of Dillard's term. Nybo is running for a full term in November against Democrat Suzanne Glowiak of Western Springs.
Dillard's more than 20-year career as a DuPage County voice in the Illinois Senate included two close second-place finishes in the last two Republican primaries for governor.
"I am proud to have worked in a bipartisan fashion, without ever giving up my Republican principles of less government, lower taxes and individual liberties," Dillard said in a statement.
When Dillard in June knew he'd be leaving the Senate in early August, he told the Daily Herald he was ready for the new job.
"I will certainly miss the state Senate," Dillard said. "It's been a huge part of my life. I was an intern, a staff member, a governor's liaison to the Senate and a state senator."
"But I'm ready to move on," he said.
Nybo's appointment gives him a head start in the November race and will ensure someone is representing the DuPage County district in Springfield in the months until lawmakers are sworn in early next year.
Nybo served one term in the Illinois House starting in 2011 but ran for the Illinois Senate in 2012 after Democrats redrew political boundaries.
Nybo lost that 2012 race - a primary election contest against Dillard - a little more than two years before taking over for him in the Senate.
"It is an honor to be succeeding Senator Dillard," Nybo said in a statement. "Though no one can fill his shoes, he leaves a legislative legacy to be admired and emulated."
The decision to appoint Nybo was largely made by DuPage County Republican Chairwoman Darlene Ruscitti.
Nybo will be sworn in Wednesday afternoon in Lombard.