SPRINGFIELD — Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon was elected Senate President by his colleagues Wednesday, vowing to keep Illinois moving forward and calling on all in public office to recognize and honor the responsibilities and high standards the public expects.

“Each of us serves roughly a quarter million people back home. A quarter million people. What is best for them? What is best for the millions of working families across our state? What is best for the nearly 13 million people who collectively call Illinois home?” Harmon said. “Be guided by that truth, whether it be politically convenient or not. If your motivations are elsewhere, the Illinois Senate is not for you.”

Harmon was first elected Senate President in 2020 to serve out the remainder of the leadership term when former Senate President John Cullerton retired. He was elected to a full 2-year term as Senate President in 2021 and re-elected Wednesday. The position presides over the 59-member Illinois Senate.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the support of my colleagues to serve in this post,” Harmon said during the ceremony at the Old State Capitol. “My commitment to you is that I will strive each day to do my best to live up to the responsibilities and trust you have placed in me.”

Senate session for the new, 103^rd General Assembly resumes on Thursday.