Dave Severin is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 116th District in southern Illinois, which includes all or parts of Edwards, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Marion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, and White Counties. First elected in 2016 to the 117th District, he flipped a long-held Democratic seat and, after redistricting, now serves his fourth term in the 116th District. A lifelong conservative from Benton, Illinois, he is a small business owner, husband to Penny , father, and grandfather; his son Travis and family also live in Benton. Severin is pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, supports low taxes and regulations, permanent tax relief, anti-corruption laws, ending sanctuary state policies, and opposes defunding police; he has a 100% pro-life and pro-Second Amendment voting record and backs building the border wall.

Notable achievements include defeating a Mike Madigan-backed Democrat in 2016, long-term community service as a church greeter and former youth pastor at Whittington Church , Benton Lions Club member, and leadership in Special Olympics of Southern Illinois, United Way of Southern Illinois, and Centerstone .

Education and Political Experience

No specific details on formal education are available from public records. Prior to the House, Severin served 29 years on the Benton School District #47 board, including as president. In the Illinois House since January 2017, he has served on committees including Veterans’ Affairs, Higher Education, Elementary & Secondary Education, Tourism, and House Redistricting; he has sponsored bills to lower taxes, reduce business regulations, and strengthen ethics laws.