Biography:
Elgie R. Sims, Jr. serves as State Senator for Illinois’ 17th Senate District, which includes portions of Chicago’s South and Southeast Side, its South Suburbs, and portions of Will and Kankakee counties. Prior to joining the Illinois Senate, he served nearly four terms as State Representative of Illinois’ 34th House District. As State Senator, Elgie continues to put families and communities first by uplifting working families and removing barriers to upward mobility. In Springfield, Elgie continues to champion legislation focused on improving the quality of our schools, strengthening the middle class by creating good paying jobs and economic opportunities, bringing fiscal discipline to Springfield and passing commonsense public safety initiatives with the aim of making our streets safer. Born in Chicago, Elgie holds a B.A. in political science from Illinois State University, an M.P.A. from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He and his wife reside in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood with their two daughters.