Fowler to Retire Early from Senate Following Session
Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) will resign from the Senate following the adjournment of the legislative session this week.
Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) said Tuesday he’ll resign his post at the conclusion of the spring legislative session, about seven months before the end of his term.
Fowler, a former Department of Juvenile Justice official, was elected Mayor of Harrisburg in 2014 and defeated incumbent Democrat Gary Forby to flip the far southern Illinois seat in 2016.
Fowler says part of his motivation was to serve no longer than ten years and to opt out of a legislative pension.
“I have been truly blessed to serve the people of Southern Illinois in the Senate,” Fowler said in a statement Tuesday. “This has never been about a title for me. It has always been about the people, the communities, and the opportunity to make a difference for the region I call home. I am grateful for the trust the people of the 59th District placed in me, and I will always carry that with me.”
For representing a ruby red Republican district, Fowler had a reputation for working well with Democrats.
Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) is the GOP nominee to replace Fowler. Jacobs says he will plan to seek the appointment to Fowler’s seat.
