Mark L. Walker (born 1947/1948)[1] is a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate for the 27th district. The district, located in the Chicago metropolitan area, includes parts of Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Barrington, Inverness, Palatine, Prospect Heights and South Barrington.[2]
Mark Walker | |
|---|---|
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| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 27th district | |
| Assumed office May 11, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Ann Gillespie |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 53rd district | |
| In office January 9, 2019 – May 11, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | David Harris |
| Succeeded by | Nicolle Grasse |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 66th district | |
| In office January 2009 – January 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Carolyn H. Krause |
| Succeeded by | David Harris |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1947 or 1948 (age 76–77) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Joan |
| Education | Brown University (BA, MA) |
He previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 66th district from 2009 to 2011 and the 53rd district from 2019 to 2024.
Biography
editWalker served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and during his service was awarded a Bronze Star. He later became a senior executive as Citigroup, including heading worldwide credit card operations. He then went into consulting at Walker Information; providing business expertise to various firms. He has also been a soccer coach and member of the Arlington Heights Park District Foundation board, and has co-chaired the Northwest Suburban Veterans Advisory Council.[3] He has also worked with homeless organizations, and on community housing redevelopment.[4] Mark Walker has a Bachelor of Arts and a master's degree in culture change from Brown University.[3][4]
Electoral career
editIn 2008, Walker defeated Republican candidate and Elk Grove Village trustee Christine Prochno to succeed outgoing Representative Carolyn Krause.[1] He served a single term during the 96th General Assembly. Walker was defeated in the 2010 general election by Republican David Harris who preceded Krause in the Illinois House. After Harris retired, Walker announced his intention to run for his seat.[5] He defeated Republican nominee Eddie Corrigan and took office January 9, 2019.[6]
Walker is also the Democratic Committeeman for Wheeling Township.[5]
In May 2024, Walker was appointed to the Illinois Senate to replace former District 27 senator Ann Gillespie.[7]
Illinois House of Representatives
editCommittees
editAs of 2022, Walker serves on six House committees and one subcommittee:
- Financial Institutions committee (Chairperson)
- International Trade & Commerce committee (Chairperson)
- Economic Opportunity & Equity committee
- Insurance committee
- Revenue & Finance committee
- Small Business, Tech Innovation, and Entrepreneurship committee
- Sales, Amusement, & Other Taxes subcommittee
Legislation
editWhile representing Illinois' 53rd House district, legislation introduced by Walker that went on to become law includes HB3865, which requires any company or individual advertising veterans' benefits appeal services to disclose in the advertisement that such services are available at no cost by county veterans service officers, among other provisions.[8]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark Walker | 21,758 | 52.47 | |
| Republican | Christine K. Prochno | 19,710 | 47.53 | |
| Total votes | 41,468 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | David Harris | 16,147 | 53.99 | |
| Democratic | Mark Walker (incumbent) | 13,763 | 46.01 | |
| Total votes | 29,910 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark L. Walker | 23,792 | 52.44 | |
| Republican | Eddie Corrigan | 21,580 | 47.56 | |
| Total votes | 45,372 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark L. Walker | 40,255 | 100.00 | |
| Total votes | 40,255 | 100.00 | ||
References
edit- ^ a b Long, Jeff (October 22, 2008). "Krause retirement sets off heated race to succeed her". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
- ^ "PA 97-0006 Legislative District 27" (PDF). 2011-05-18. Retrieved 2015-11-29.
- ^ a b Miller, David R., ed. (November 15, 2018). "Biographies of New House Members" (PDF). First Reading. Illinois Legislative Research Unit. p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
- ^ a b Barlow, Sarah E., ed. (November 15, 2018). "Biographies of New House Members" (PDF). First Reading. Illinois Legislative Research Unit. pp. 2–8. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
- ^ a b Lester, Kerry (October 9, 2017). "Walker to run for his former House seat". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
- ^ Placek, Christopher (November 7, 2018). "Walker beats Corrigan in race for 53rd state House". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
- ^ Keeshan, Charles (May 12, 2024). "State Rep. Walker appointed to vacant Illinois Senate seat". Daily Herald. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ "Bill Status of HB3865". ilga.gov. Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "Election Results 2008 GENERAL ELECTION". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
- ^ "Election Results 2010 GENERAL ELECTION". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
- ^ "Election Results, 2020 General Election". Illinois State Board of Elections. Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "Election Results, 2020 General Election". elections.il.gov. Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
External links
edit- Representative Mark L. Walker (D) 66th District official Illinois General Assembly site
- Mark Walker for Illinois State Representative official campaign website
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Rep. Mark Walker at Illinois House Democrats