Don DeWitte

Donald P. DeWitte is a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate, representing the 33rd District. He has been in office since his appointment in 2018, following the resignation of the previous senator. DeWitte has a background in local government, having served as the Mayor of St. Charles and as an alderman. His legislative work encompasses various issues, and he is currently involved in several committees within the Senate.

Early life and career

Donald P. DeWitte was educated at Elgin Community College and the University of Illinois at Springfield. He embarked on a career in the building materials industry, where he spent over four decades in various roles, primarily focusing on kitchen design and sales. This extensive experience in the private sector has informed his approach to public service.

Before entering the Illinois State Senate, DeWitte had a significant career in local government. He served as an alderman in St. Charles from 1993 to 2005, where he was involved in municipal decision-making and community development. Following his tenure as an alderman, he was elected Mayor of St. Charles, a position he held from 2005 until 2013. During his time as mayor, he focused on local governance and community issues, working to enhance the quality of life for residents.

In addition to his roles in local government, DeWitte served as the Kane County representative on the Regional Transportation Authority Board from 2013 to 2018. This position allowed him to engage with regional transportation issues, contributing to the planning and development of transportation infrastructure in the area.

Legislative service

DeWitte was appointed to the Illinois State Senate in September 2018, taking over the 33rd District seat after the resignation of Senator Karen McConnaughay. He was subsequently elected to the position in November 2018, where he narrowly defeated his Democratic opponent. Since taking office, DeWitte has been an active member of the Senate, participating in various legislative initiatives and discussions.

In the Illinois Senate, DeWitte has taken on leadership responsibilities, becoming an assistant Republican leader in 2021. His role in the Senate includes serving on multiple committees, where he contributes to discussions and decisions on a range of issues. In the 101st General Assembly, he was a member of several committees, including Appropriations II, Education, Revenue, Local Government, Telecommunications and InfoTechnology, Transportation, Government Accountability and Pensions, and the Committee of the Whole. In the subsequent 102nd General Assembly, he continues to serve on committees such as Appropriations, Behavioral and Mental Health, Commerce, Executive, Local Government, Pensions, Revenue, Transportation, and Administrative Rules.

Policy focus and district

The 33rd District, which DeWitte represents, encompasses a diverse range of communities, including all or parts of Batavia, Crystal Lake, East Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Lakewood, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, Wayne, Geneva, St. Charles, West Dundee, Hampshire, Huntley, Carpentersville, Lake in the Hills, and Algonquin. This district's varied demographics and needs influence DeWitte's legislative priorities and policy focus.

Throughout his time in the Senate, DeWitte has taken positions on various legislative issues, often reflecting his Republican values. He has voted against measures aimed at raising the state minimum wage, prohibiting Right to Work laws, and mandating equal pay for employees. In the realm of voting rights, he has opposed allowing individuals who have not been convicted of a crime to vote, while supporting legislation that facilitates student voting.

In education, DeWitte has consistently voted against initiatives that would expand educational requirements or support for specific groups. For instance, he opposed making kindergarten mandatory for five-year-olds, increasing baseline salaries for public school teachers, and providing tuition assistance for transgender or undocumented students. He has also voted against measures aimed at enhancing civics education and addressing discrimination in schools.

DeWitte's stance on police and prison policy has been similarly conservative. He has voted against legislation that would require police to maintain records on racial profiling, abolish cash bail, or prohibit private prisons and jails in Illinois. His voting record indicates a consistent opposition to measures aimed at reforming criminal justice practices.

On issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, DeWitte has opposed legislation that would require public schools to teach about prominent LGBTQ+ historical figures and has voted against adding a nonbinary gender marker option for state identification. His positions on cannabis legalization and climate policy also reflect a conservative approach, as he voted against the legalization of recreational cannabis and against requirements for renewable energy production.

DeWitte's legislative decisions have sparked discussions about his alignment with various social issues, particularly in the areas of racial justice, immigration, and health care. He has voted against measures aimed at increasing representation for women and Black individuals on corporate boards, as well as initiatives designed to reduce racial disparities in medical care. His opposition to prohibiting cities from contracting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement further illustrates his stance on immigration policy.

In summary, Donald P. DeWitte's career in the Illinois State Senate has been marked by a focus on traditional Republican values and a commitment to representing the diverse communities within the 33rd District. His background in local government and the building materials industry informs his legislative priorities, as he continues to navigate the complexities of state governance and policy-making.