Farewell Speech – Senator Tom Bennett
Good afternoon, friends, colleagues, and family. Today, as I reflect on my time here, I am filled with gratitude, humility, and an overwhelming sense of pride. Serving in the General Assembly has been one of the most challenging, amazing, and rewarding times of my life. It has truly been the best job I have ever had.
The work we do here is unique— in many ways, this is a magical place. Not like the Magic Kingdom in Florida, but still a place where dreams happen. Where dreams, hopes and thoughts become concrete ideas and laws that impact millions of people across our great state. With that power of change comes great responsibility, one that I have been honored to carry for the last 10 years.
For the past decade, the only way I have known how to do this job is to give it my all—full-time, often six or seven days a week. I have enjoyed every minute of it, and am sad to see this chapter come to a close, but it’s time, it’s time to embrace this next chapter and become a full-time grandpa or papa and even more devoted husband to my amazing wife Kathy. Kathy, thank you for your tremendous support and incredible patience throughout this journey. I could not have done it without you.
With less coffee related events, fewer pancake breakfasts, and very limited fish fry’s recently, I have found myself reflecting on the relationships, the challenges, and the achievements that have defined this experience. I have had the privilege of representing the 106th District in the House and the 53rd District in the Senate. Through it all, I have been guided by a deep commitment to the people I serve and the shared goal of building a stronger Illinois.
I am deeply proud of the work my staff and I have done together over the years. They are, without a doubt, the best team I could have asked for. To my staff—both in the district and here in Springfield—thank you for your tireless dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to solving problems and improving lives. You make me look better than I am, and I could not have done this without you. Please join me in giving them the recognition they so richly deserve. CLAP FOR ALL
To my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, thank you for your partnership and your passion. Whether we agreed or disagreed, I have always appreciated the respect and the willingness to come together on issues that matter. Leader Curren and President Harmon, I am grateful for your commitment to the people of Illinois and for your steady leadership.
To the people of the 53rd District, thank you for putting your trust in me. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent you.
I have learned so much from all of you. One lesson stands out for me—a reminder from a dear friend: Tom, he said, it’s all about the people. This simple truth has guided me through decisions, debates, and votes. At the end of the day, the work we do here is not about us—it’s about the people we represent.
As I stand here at the close of this General Assembly on January 7, 2025, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and pride. Representing my district and serving the people of Illinois has been the honor of a lifetime. I leave knowing that this work will continue, in the hands of dedicated leaders, and my successor Chris Balkema, who all share the commitment to making Illinois a better place for all of us.
Dear Friends, it’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve with you in the IL State Senate and in the House. God Bless You all!
Yours Truly,
IL State Senator Tom Bennett, 53rd Senate District
On behalf of Senator Bennett, Senator Wilcox read his speech for him. You can watch below: