ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR
45TH DISTRICT

Another Life Killed by Failed Democrat Immigration Policies

Pritzker's Failed Immigration Policies

Once again, Illinois Democrats and their weak leader, Gov. JB Pritzker, are responsible for another preventable tragedy. Their failed, anti-American immigration policies have cost another innocent life. In the early morning hours of March 19, Sheridan Gorman, a young woman with her whole future ahead of her and a freshman at Loyola University Chicago, went […]

Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders in Our District

Andrew Chesney giving a speech to students

Some of my responsibilities as a state senator include standing up for the people of my district and defending the values that make our communities strong. But one responsibility that does not get talked about nearly enough is preparing the next generation to carry those principles forward. Last week, I had the opportunity to do […]

Senator Chesney’s Week in Review

Chesney Week In Review copy

45th District Youth Advisory Council Highlights Next Generation of Leaders Last week, I had the opportunity to host my first Youth Advisory Council at Highland Community College, bringing together more than 80 high school students from across the 45th District for a day focused on understanding state government and sharing their perspectives. What stood out […]

Session Picks Up as Focus Turns Back to Springfield

Session Picks up as Focus Turns Back to Springfield

With the primary elections now behind us, attention in Springfield is turning fully back to the legislative work ahead. This is the time of year when things really begin to pick up. Committee work ramps up, more bills are heard and we start to see which proposals are moving forward and gaining real traction. In […]

Meeting with Local Leaders at Forage and Grassland Council

Andrew Chesney meeting with local leaders

It was great to join the Northwestern Illinois Forage and Grassland Council for their annual meeting and spend time with the hardworking men and women who help drive our local economy. During the meeting, I provided an update on what’s happening in Springfield, including ongoing legislative discussions and the direction our state is heading. More […]

Building Stronger Voter Engagement in the 45th District

Building Stronger Voter Engagement in the 45th District

This year’s primary election served as an important reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping the future of our communities. In some counties across the 45th District, voter turnout showed there is still room for improvement. In Jo Daviess County, 19% of registered voters cast a ballot. Stephenson County reached 25%, […]

45th District Youth Advisory Council Highlights Next Generation of Leaders

Andrew Chesney talking with students at a youth advisory council

Last week, I had the opportunity to host my first Youth Advisory Council at Highland Community College, bringing together more than 80 high school students from across the 45th District for a day focused on understanding state government and sharing their perspectives. What stood out most was how thoughtful and informed these students are. They […]

Senator Chesney’s Week in Review

Chesney Week In Review copy

Reminder: Make Your Voice Heard in the March 17 Primary The Illinois primary election is coming up on March 17, and I want to remind everyone across the 45th District to take part in this important civic responsibility. Voting is one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans. It is the way citizens […]

Eastland Cougars Make Impressive Run to State Semifinals

Eastland Cougars Basketball Team

Congratulations Eastland High School on a terrific boys’ basketball season. The Cougars represented the district well in this year’s playoffs and made an impressive run all the way to the IHSA Class 1A state semifinals. Moments like this show what makes small-town communities so special. When a team from a small school makes a deep […]

Six Months Later, Charlie Kirk’s Movement Lives On

Senator Andrew Chesney with Charlie Kirk

Last Tuesday marked six months since the death of Charlie Kirk. Even now, it is still difficult to grasp that he is no longer with us. His death should serve as a solemn reminder that violence has no place in our political discourse. Political disagreements are part of a free society, but they must remain […]