Dan Caulkins

Dan Caulkins is a Republican who represented Illinois House District 101 from January 2019 until his term ended, later running in District 88 following redistricting. He is a member of the conservative Illinois Freedom Caucus, advocating for limited government, lower taxes, and ethics reform.

Dan Caulkins was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Decatur, Illinois, in 1965. He has been married to his wife Jo for over 44 years. Caulkins served more than two decades in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Major after enlisting in 1966. He worked for Decatur-based companies including manufacturing giant ADM, and owned businesses providing long-term care and assisted living for disabled adults, such as Patterson House and Franciscan Properties. Other ventures include FISH, LTD , DPC Racing , and co-hosting WZUS FM 101 radio since 2011. Notable positions include service on the Decatur City Council and Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees .

Education and Political Experience

• Education: High School Diploma from Stephen Decatur High School ; Bachelor's degree in Business from Eastern Illinois University .
• Political Experience: Elected to Illinois House of Representatives for District 101 in 2018, serving from January 2019; represented parts of rural McLean County and later District 88 after 2022 redistricting. Active in Illinois Freedom Caucus, focusing on government reform, gun rights , and accountability.