Politics & Government

Jim Durkin Takes Over As House Republican Leader

The Western Springs resident takes over for Tom Cross of Oswego, who has held the position since 2003.

State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) officially assumed the role of Illinois House Republican leader Monday, replacing State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego).

Durkin has represented the 82nd District since 2006, and also served from 1995-2002 before an unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate. 

“It is a privilege to have been selected the new House Republican leader by my peers and I’m anxious to get to work," Durkin said in a release Monday. "Illinois is a great state facing serious challenges. House Republicans have solid ideas on how to solve our fiscal crisis and get residents back to work." 

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He emphasized safe schools, safe neighborhoods, and an end to government corruption.

"We want to restore pride in Illinois," he said. "Working together we can get the job done.”

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Cross had been the House Republican leader since 2003.

“Tom Cross was a good leader. I wish him the best in his future endeavors and thank him for service to our caucus,” Durkin said.

Durkin is a former assistant Cook County state’s attorney and former assistant Illinois attorney general. He is currently a partner with Arnstein and Lehr LLP.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and his law degree from John Marshall Law School. He lives with his wife, Celeste, and four daughters in Western Springs.


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