CANTON – Thursday afternoon, the 5-term state representative from Canton, Illinois announced he would not be seeking re-election in 2020. Republican State Rep. Mike Unes wrote on his Facebook account:
Today I am announcing that I will not seek a 6th term in the November 2020 election. I plan to complete my current 2-year term which ends in January 2021.
I am eternally grateful to the people of the 91st District for the opportunity to serve as their State Representative for the past 9 years. It has been a special experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. By far, the most rewarding part of my position has been the ability to make positive differences in the lives of many throughout the district.
In spite of serving in the super minority, my work in Springfield has been very productive. I am proud to say that I have been among the most active legislators in the Illinois House, passing many pieces of impactful legislation into law. From helping those with special needs, to advocating for fairness for seniors in downstate long term care facilities, to providing protections for children who have been sexually abused, to supporting our veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom, I have taken your voice with me to Springfield to fight with passion for the betterment of our area and our state.
I have given this job the very best that 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.
Above all, I am thankful to have a loving family that has been my rock through the ups and downs. Right now, I’m excited to spend more time supporting them as they have supported me.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank the many thousands of supporters that have given me the opportunity to represent the 91st District in Springfield. I will forever cherish the opportunity that has been lent to me. I wish for many blessings for you and our great State well into the future.
Mike Unes
Illinois State Representative, 91st District 2011-2021