Dave Koehler is a Democratic state senator representing Illinois Senate District 46, which includes parts of Peoria, Fulton, and Tazewell Counties. Born on December 16, 1948, in South Dakota, he has served in the Illinois Senate since his election in November 2006 and appointment in December 2006. Notable achievements include promotion to Majority Caucus Whip in 2018 and Assistant Majority Leader in 2019, where he continues to serve. He has advocated for labor-management cooperation, health care improvements, climate integrity, public transit safety, and apprenticeship programs, such as securing $350,000 in state grants for Youthbuild McLean County. Koehler is married with three daughters, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, three granddaughters, and one grandson.

Education

Koehler earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota, in 1971, followed by a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, in 1974.

Political Experience

• Staff member, National Farm Worker Ministry , supporting migrant farm workers.
• Community organizer and program manager, Peoria Friendship House .
• First Executive Director, Peoria Area Labor Management Council , fostering labor-management cooperation.
• President, Labor Management Cooperative Health Programs, Inc. .
• Peoria County Board member .
• Peoria City Council member .
• Illinois State Senate .
• Served on various boards and commissions related to labor-management relations, health care, natural resources, infrastructure, and energy supply.