Illinois Valley Times

State Rep. Lance Yednock announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024.

In a letter to constituents, the Ottawa Democrat said he has been frustrated that his moderate political leanings have made it difficult to work with party leadership.

"Working with and attempting to get my colleagues to understand the needs of downstate Illinois and obtaining resources through the budget and programs have been one of the most difficult challenges for me.  While not having the exact same challenges as more urban areas, downstate has plenty of needs and arguably less resources by the nature of geography and population. The example of rural health care is but one example that is always at the forefront of my mind," Yednock wrote. 

"I understand that if I cannot get the legislature to understand how downstate needs resources, then I must admit to myself that a different representative may get a better outcome, and that is far more important to me than a future re-election campaign.  My moderate views at times can make for strained relations in this current House Democratic Caucus. That is not a critique, but rather a reality," he added.

A heavy machine operator and representative of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Yednock, was first elected in 2018 and has twice won re-election. He has said he believes in a citizen-led legislature and self-imposed term limits.

Yednock, who plans to serve the remainder of his term, said that he, at times, has felt his political "moderation has gotten in the way of the advancement of my community."

Recently, Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed a bi-partisan bill carried by Yednock that would have lifted a moratorium on nuclear power facilities. Yednock told a reporter that he did not learn of the governor's veto until 30 minutes before it happened. 

“I was very surprised. It angered me. No doubt about it,” he said.

Read Yednock's full statement: HERE.