CIOGC extends its sincere thanks and well wishes to Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, representing the 41st District in DuPage, Will, and Cook counties, who recently announced her retirement. Radogno first took office in 1997 and began her third term as leader in 2013. She is the first female caucus leader in Illinois General Assembly history.
Radogno has provided her support to the Muslim community in various capacities, particularly at CIOGC’s annual Illinois Muslim Action Day, where Illinois Muslim community leadership would meet with her to present and garner support for policies that benefit Muslims and greater society.
“Senator Radogno has been a stalwart supporter of the Muslim community for many years. She has always opened her door, and her ears to our community.” said CIOGC Executive Director, Abdullah Mitchell. “We wish the Senator well on her retirement and thank her for excellent leadership during her tenure.”
Former CIOGC Chair, Dr. Zaher Sahloul, shared how the Senator regularly expressed her support for the Muslim community: “Senator Rodogno was among the Illinois legislative leaders who consistently supported Illinois Muslims. She cosponsored key legislations and resolutions advanced by CIOGC, IMAN, and other community based organizations including the Halal Food Act, Charity Without Fear, supporting Arabic language to public schools, and condemning Islamophobia. She met regularly with Muslim leaders to discuss community issues and our legislative agenda. She is insightful, moderate, and an excellent public servant. We will miss her and her leadership.”
Many of Radogno’s colleagues in the General Assembly also shared warm words for the now former Illinois Senate Minority Leader.
Senator Kwame Raoul praised Radogno for her “demonstrated true willingness to negotiate in good faith.” Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan said she “leaves with a reputation of for hard work, honesty, and integrity.” Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton commended Radogno’s “camaraderie and common sense,” and Governor Bruce Rauner described her as a “consummate professional and public servant.”
Photo: Senator Christine Radogno poses for a photo with CIOGC Senate Pages at Illinois Muslim Action Day (IMAD).