State Rep. Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) is not running for a 6th term.
Unes announced Thursday he is retiring after his current term ends in January 2021.
"I have given this job the very best that I have every day, and that will continue as I complete my final term. I can proudly say that I have done so without changing who I am and what I believe in. I am a better person because of the work I have been able to do and the people that I have worked alongside. I am also very proud to have poured my heart into constituent service work over the past decade," said Unes in a prepared statement.
Unes said he was especially proud of the work he did to help veterans and child victims of sexual abuse.
He was one of a handful of House Republicans to break with Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017 and join Democrats in passing a budget, ending the state's two-year-long political stalemate.
Unes defeated incumbent Rep. Mike Smith (D-Canton) in 2010 for the 91st District seat that includes much of Tazewell, Peoria, and Fulton counties. The district was held by Democrats for decades before Unes won election.
