McHenry Times

Citing his frustration and the ongoing infighting in the State House, Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva) recently announced his intention to step down when his term ends in 2019.

"I made the decision not to seek re-election based on what I see as my level of future effectiveness,” Anderson told the McHenry Times. “With all the infighting and partisan politics, I’m not certain that I can make a significant contribution going forward, and I promised my constituents I would only stay for as long as I was able to be effective."

Andersson was one of 15 GOP representatives to defy Gov. Bruce Rauner in voting with Democrats to pass a state budget that includes a $36 billion spending plan that hiked state income taxes by 32 percent. 

Rep. Steven Andersson (R-Geneva)

Shortly after the final vote was tabulated and the bill officially became law, Andersson was asked to step down as the Republican House floor leader. Rather than regretting his decision, Andersson said having a hand in putting an end to the state's two-year budget impasse was one of his proudest legislative moments. 

"I don't want to speak for anyone else in Springfield, but the only way forward is for everyone to stop with the backbiting and work to find ways to rebuild trust in one another," he said.

A lawyer by trade, Andersson is the latest in a string of Republican lawmakers who have announced their retirement, including former Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), who worked with Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) in trying to broker the failed “grand bargain" budget deal.

Despite rumors that Rauner mght be leaning toward funding primary candidates to oppose Republicans who voted for the budget, Andersson insisted said his decision was for his district.

“I'm doing what I think is the right thing and in the best interest of my constituents at this time," he said. "I would never say never, so I guess you could say there might be a a chance I may come back if the climate ever really changes."