Neil Anderson is a Republican State Senator representing Illinois' 47th District since 2015. A professional firefighter and paramedic with the Moline Fire Department since 2006, he resides in Andalusia with his wife, Brandi, and their two children, Steel and Sophia. Raised in the Quad Cities, he worked in his family's flooring business and notably walked on to the University of Nebraska football team, becoming the only walk-on to make the roster. The 47th District spans all or parts of Adams, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Menard, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Warren Counties. Notable achievements include his appointment as Senate Republican Caucus Chair for the 103rd and 104th General Assemblies in 2023, and serving as Minority Spokesperson on the Senate Assignments, Executive, and Pensions Committees, plus membership on Agriculture and Energy and Public Utilities Committees. He is a strong advocate for Second Amendment rights, annually filing legislation to repeal the FOID Act, and supports pro-life positions.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended the University of Nebraska, where he walked on to the football team.
• Political Experience: First elected to the Illinois Senate in 2015, initially representing the 36th District before redistricting to the 47th in the 103rd General Assembly; appointed Senate Republican Caucus Chair in 2023; continues service as a Moline firefighter alongside legislative duties.