Senator Li Arellano, Jr.

Liandro "Li" Arellano, Jr. is a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate, representing the 37th District since January 8, 2025. A native of Dixon, Illinois, he is a proud U.S. Army veteran who has served his community through both military service and local government.

The 37th Senate District encompasses all or parts of Bureau, DeKalb, Henry, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside, and Woodford counties. Currently, he serves as the Minority Spokesperson on the Senate Public Health Committee and holds positions on the Health & Human Services, Local Government, Pensions, State Government, and Veterans Affairs Committees.

Li is married to Jamie and has five children.

Education

Li attended the University of Michigan but paused his studies following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, to join the U.S. Army.

Political Experience

Military Service: Li served three combat deployments and currently holds the rank of Squad Leader in the Army Reserves with the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood, Illinois.

Business: As an entrepreneur, Li opened his first restaurant at age 26 and has gained experience in business management and development.

Mayoral Tenure: Before his election to the state senate, Li served two terms as Mayor of Dixon from 2015 to 2023. During his eight years in office, he focused on economic development, infrastructure investment, and long-term fiscal planning, addressing the city's economic development and fiscal challenges.