Christopher Belt

Christopher Belt is a Democratic member of the Illinois State Senate, representing the 57th District in the Metro East region of Illinois.

Christopher Belt grew up in Centreville and is a lifelong resident of Illinois' Metro East area. The 57th District encompasses communities in St. Clair and Madison counties, including Belleville, Collinsville, O'Fallon, Granite City, Freeburg, Mascoutah, and Scott Air Force Base.

Belt is married to Stephanie Scurlark Belt and has two children, Christianna and Stephon. He resides in Swansea with his family.

Education

Belt holds a bachelor's degree in history from Illinois State University and master's degrees in public administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and in professional counseling from Lindenwood-Belleville. He is a graduate of Lincoln Senior High School in East St. Louis.

Political Experience

Legislative Career

Belt has served in the Illinois Senate since January 4, 2019, when he succeeded James Clayborne Jr. During the 103rd General Assembly, he serves as Chair of the Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee and is a member of multiple Senate committees including Education, Energy and Public Utilities, Insurance, Labor, Licensed Activities, and Transportation.

Prior Experience

Before his election to the state senate, Belt had an 18-year career in law enforcement. He spent 16 years with the St. Clair County Probation and Detention Center and two years as the regional deputy administrator of Aftercare for the central and southern regions of Illinois. He previously served four years on the Cahokia Unit School District 187 board, including two years as board president.

Community Involvement

In 2003, Belt founded the Difference Makers Professional Organization, dedicated to strengthening decision-making capabilities of young men between ages 9 and 18. He authored an educational children's book titled "The Adventures of Nate the Gnat" to teach youth how to be safe, responsible citizens.