Holmes Withdraws from November Ballot, Will Retire
Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) at a news conference in 2022.
Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) withdrew from the November ballot Monday and announced she plans to leave office at the end of her term, capping a 20-year run in the Senate.
Holmes, 67, was first elected to the Senate in 2006 and was planning to seek re-election in November.
Holmes suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune disease impacting the nervous system. In a statement, she claimed her health was a determining factor to step aside.
“Living with Multiple Sclerosis for the past 37 years has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to public service. While I have been fortunate to manage this disease for many years with few symptoms, it is now time for me to slow down and focus on my health,” she said.
Holmes says she plans to finish her current term, ending in January.
“She brought to the Illinois Senate the perspective of a small business owner, the heart of a community advocate, and the steady judgement of a leader who understands that lasting progress is built through collaboration,” Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement praising Holmes. “Linda never shies away from a difficult conversation or complex issue.”
She is the second member of Senate leadership planning to step away following the November election. Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) is not seeking re-election.
It isn’t clear who will replace Holmes on the November ballot. Her district is shared by Rep. Matt Hanson (D-Montgomery) and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego). Kifowit lost the Democratic primary for State Comptroller in March and recently was chosen as the next Executive Director of the Construction Industry Service Corporation. Kifowit said Tuesday she is “evaluating” Holmes’ announcement. DuPage County Board Member Saba Haider of Aurora won the Democratic primary for Kifowit’s seat.
The district covers parts of Aurora, Montgomery, Oswego, and stretches north to portions of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles. Kamala Harris won the district by around 21 point in 2024. Governor Pritzker won the district by around 23 points in 2022.
