Chuck Weaver sworn in as state senator

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Published on Thursday, 08 October 2015 17:00
Written by The Peorian
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Peoria Republican Chuck Weaver is the new state senator from the 37th District.

Weaver was sworn in as state senator Thursday morning by Circuit Judge Stephen Kouri, chief judge of the 10th Circuit, during a ceremony at the Peoria County Courthouse. He was flanked by his wife Laurie and their children and grandson.

Weaver replaces Darin LaHood, who resigned from the state senate seat after he was elected in a special election to U.S. Representative in the 18th District, replacing Aaron Schock. LaHood was sworn into Congress, in the district where his father once serve as representative, last week.

Weaver resigned from his at-large seat on the Peoria City Council to assume the state senate position.

“I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of representing 220,000-plus central Illinoisans at the State Capitol,” Weaver said after taking the oath of office. “I am ready to get to work, and while I have a lot of learning to do, I’m up for the challenge. I have made 135 face-to-face visits in recent months across the district and look forward to meeting with the constituents living in the 37th Senate District. I am ready to listen to their concerns and stand up for their interests in Springfield.”

Weaver was chosen by the 37th District legislative selection committee to replace LaHood, a Dunlap Republican.

Aside from serving on the Peoria City Council since 2011, Weaver has been an active businessman and philanthropist in the greater-Peoria area for decades. He grew up on his family's central Illinois farm. He is a graduate of Dunlap High School, Bradley University and DePaul School of Law.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and I sincerely believe that my previous experience on the Peoria City Council, my unique professional background and my volunteer roles have well-prepared me for this new chapter,” Weaver said. “Illinois is at a crossroads, and I am optimistic that Illinois’ best days are ahead of us.”