Don Harmon

Don Harmon is an American attorney and politician currently serving as a member of the Illinois State Senate, representing the 39th District. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held this position since 2003 and has been the President of the Illinois Senate since January 2020. His district encompasses a diverse range of communities, including parts of Chicago and several suburbs in Cook County.

Early life and career

Born on November 26, 1966, Don Harmon grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. His early education took place at St. Giles Grade School, followed by St. Ignatius College Prep, which is located on Chicago's West Side. Harmon pursued higher education at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, before earning both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

Following his graduation from law school, Harmon began his professional career in Springfield, where he worked on the legal staff of the Illinois House of Representatives. This experience provided him with a foundational understanding of legislative processes and state governance. Harmon later became a partner at the Chicago-based law firm Burke, Burns & Pinelli, where he practiced law until he stepped down from the firm in January 2020 to focus on his legislative duties.

Harmon's political career began in the early 2000s when he was nominated by local Democratic Party members to fill the term of former Illinois Senate President Phil Rock as Oak Park Democratic Committeeman. He was subsequently elected to a full term in 2002, and he has been re-elected multiple times since then, including in 2006 and 2010. In 2010, he also took on the role of Suburban Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Cook County, further solidifying his involvement in local politics.

Legislative service

Don Harmon was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in the fall of 2002. During his tenure, he has served alongside notable figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, who was also a state senator at that time. Harmon has held various leadership positions within the Senate, including being appointed as the Assistant Majority Leader in January 2009. He was later appointed as the President Pro Tempore in 2011, a role he maintained until January 2019, when he transitioned to the position of Senate President following the retirement of John Cullerton.

As a state senator, Harmon has been involved in a range of legislative initiatives. He has supported measures aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government, although some of his votes have sparked controversy. For instance, he voted in favor of a bill that allows government entities to charge citizens for Freedom of Information Act requests, which faced criticism for potentially hindering public access to information.

Harmon has also been active in promoting economic and social policies. He introduced legislation to legalize sports betting in Illinois, which aimed to allow wagering on both professional and collegiate sports. Additionally, he sponsored legislation that led to the establishment of the Illinois Early Learning Council, which focuses on creating policy recommendations for the education of children from birth to age five. This initiative contributed to the implementation of the Pre-School for All program throughout the state.

Another significant legislative achievement attributed to Harmon is the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003, which was designed to prohibit discriminatory practices by state, county, or local governments. This act aimed to restore civil rights protections that had been diminished by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Furthermore, he played a role in passing legislation that eliminated two obsolete taxing districts, resulting in significant savings for taxpayers.

Policy focus and district

In his role as a state senator, Don Harmon has focused on a variety of policy areas, including education, civil rights, and gun control. He has been a vocal advocate for gun control measures, supporting initiatives such as a bill to ban assault weapons introduced in 2023. His stance on gun control reflects a broader commitment to addressing public safety concerns within his district and the state at large.

Harmon's district, the 39th Senate District, includes a mix of urban and suburban communities, such as Chicago's Austin neighborhood and several suburbs including Oak Park, Addison, Bensenville, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Northlake, River Grove, Rosemont, Schiller Park, and Stone Park. This diverse constituency presents unique challenges and opportunities in terms of policy-making and representation.

As of July 2022, Harmon serves on several committees within the Illinois Senate, including the Executive Committee, where he holds the position of Chairman of the Executive - Firearms Committee. He is also a member of the Redistricting - Chicago West and Western Cook County Committee. These committee assignments allow him to influence legislation and address issues pertinent to his district and the state.

Throughout his career, Harmon has faced scrutiny regarding his dual roles as a legislator and an attorney representing state clients. Reports have highlighted the connections between his law firm and various government agencies, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Despite this, he has maintained his legislative responsibilities and continued to serve his constituents.

In summary, Don Harmon has established himself as a prominent figure in Illinois politics, with a focus on legislative leadership, public policy, and community representation. His career reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of his district while navigating the complexities of state governance.