Kimberly Lightford

In a closed door meeting, Illinois state senators voted Sunday to elect Sen. Don Harmon as the chamber’s new president, its first new leader in more than a decade.

Illinois state senators will gather Sunday for a closed-door meeting in Springfield to elect the chamber’s next president, its first new leader in more than a decade.

The Illinois State Senate has elected a new president, and NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern has the latest details.

As Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton steps down, a heated contest has developed between two senators looking to take over the powerful role. State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, who has represented Illinois’ 4th Senate District since 1998, is currently the Senate’s Majority Leader. She is engaged in a battle with State Sen. Don Harmon, who has represented the 39th District…

The State Senate will elect a new president on Sunday, and NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern spoke with the two leading candidates to replace John Cullerton in the role.

The Illinois Senate has approved increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15 over six years.

Amid a national push by unions and worker advocates for a $15 minimum wage, Illinois Democrats hope to pass an ambitious hike during the spring legislative session, despite a warning from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner that he opposes an increase of any kind.

Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed an automatic voter registration bill Friday, noting that the bill needs changes to prevent against voter fraud and comply with federal law.

Members of the Illinois legislature praised President Barack Obama for his speech at the Capitol Wednesday, which acknowledged a “poisonous political climate” and encouraged unity and bipartisan.

President Barack Obama will return to Springfield Wednesday to speak to the Illinois General Assembly on the ninth anniversary of the day he first announced his candidacy for president. NBC 5’s political reporter Carol Marin is live from the state Capitol.