Former St. Charles mayor tapped for 33rd Senate seat

Former St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte has been selected to fill the 33rd District State Senate seat soon to be vacated by Republican Karen McConnaughay, a party official said Saturday.

Kane County Republican Party Chairman Ken Shepro said DeWitte was selected from among seven candidates.

"When you balance all the things you think you need for this seat, he was the obvious choice," Shepro said. "He was a city councilman and a successful mayor. He's continued his public service through the RTA board, and he has deep knowledge of state issues."

DeWitte said he applied for the position last month after receiving encouragement from a number of municipal leaders, as well as former and current legislators.

"My confirmation was made unanimous by the Kane and McHenry interview selection process," DeWitte said.

DeWitte and McConnaughay have worked together on a number of projects in Kane County, he said, and he plans to continue her work on initiatives such as school funding and preventing human trafficking.

DeWitte also intends to get involved in initiatives to fix the state's current financial situation.

McConnaughay previously had confirmed her intention to step down and is expected to make an official announcement next week about when she'll vacate the seat, Shepro said.