Dale Fowler is a Republican member of the Illinois Senate representing the 59th district in Southern Illinois, which includes all of Franklin, Hamilton, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Massac, Johnson, Pulaski, and Alexander counties, and portions of Union and Jackson counties. Born in Eldorado, Illinois, he resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Jill Fowler, and their two children; he is a Presbyterian and a businessman by profession. Fowler serves as Co-Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and is a member of the Energy and Public Utilities, Licensed Activities, Local Government, and Transportation committees. Notable achievements include defeating Democratic incumbent Gary Forby in 2016 after 14 years in office, appointment to Governor J.B. Pritzker's 2018 Job Creation and Economic Opportunity Committee, and awards such as Saline County Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year,” Marion Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year,” Guardian Centers “Hero of the Children,” Southern Illinois Business Journal “Leaders Among Us,” Volunteer Employee of the Year at Illinois Youth Center – Harrisburg, State of Illinois Governor’s Serve Illinois Award, and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois’ Legislative Award in 2024.

Education and Political Experience

Fowler's political career began with service on the Saline County Board and as a City Commissioner, followed by his role as Mayor of Harrisburg. Prior to elected office, he worked as an Office Operations Supervisor in Springfield under Secretary of State Jim Edgar, and at Vienna and Shawnee Correctional Centers, later transferring to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and Illinois Youth Center – Harrisburg. He has served in the Illinois Senate since January 2017.