Walker Appointed New Senator For 27th District

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Springfield has a new, familiar face representing the 27th District. Mark L. Walker, who has served as state representative for the 53rd District since 2019, will now be a state senator in the 27th District.

Walker, a Democrat, replaces former state Senator Ann Gillespie, who resigned her seat on April 14, following an appointment by Gov. JB Pritzker to become acting director of the Department of Insurance.

RELATED: Appointment Process Underway For Vacant 27th District Senate Seat

"I'm honored to become the new Senator for the 27th District," Walker said. "Over my time serving the 53rd District in the House, I've represented most of the people and communities of the 27th District. It's great to be representing them again, and I'm excited to continue advocating for our communities in Springfield."

The 27th Senate District contains most or parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, and Schaumburg.

The local Township Democratic Committeepeople comprising the 27th District met on Saturday to fill the vacancy, in accordance with the vacancy replacement process. Walker received the majority of votes to become the new Senator for the District.

Walker's term in the Illinois House of Representatives was slated to end next January, and he had been on the November ballot, running for reelection. It is unknown at this time who will replace him for the upcoming election.

RELATED: Gillespie Named IL Department Of Insurance Director — Pritzker