Tom Bennett – Illinois State Senator

Tom Bennett is an American Republican politician who represents the 53rd District in the Illinois State Senate. Born on June 8, 1956, Bennett has been active in Illinois politics at both the House and Senate levels. He previously served as the State Representative for the 106th District from 2015 to early 2023 before being appointed to the Illinois Senate to succeed Jason Barickman in the 53rd District. The 53rd District includes all or portions of Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will, and Woodford Counties in central Illinois.

Bennett is recognized for his advocacy on agricultural and business‑oriented policies. He has been honored with multiple awards, including Friend of Agriculture designations from the Illinois Farm Bureau, Legislator of the Year from the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fair, Illinois Chamber Champion of Free Enterprise awards, and an Illinois Firefighters Public Service Award. He resides in Gibson City with his wife, Kathy. Bennett did not run for reelection in the 2024 general election, concluding his legislative service after the 103rd General Assembly.

Education

Tom Bennett holds several degrees. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He later completed a Master of Business Administration from Illinois State University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Political Experience

Tom Bennett’s political experience includes service in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. From 2015 to early 2023, he served as the State Representative for the 106th District, where he also held the leadership role of Assistant Republican Leader from 2020 to 2023. In 2016, he was selected as an elector from Illinois’s 16th congressional district, pledged to Donald Trump and Mike Pence had they won Illinois’s electoral votes.

Bennett was appointed to the Illinois Senate in the 53rd District following the resignation of Jason Barickman, serving in the 103rd General Assembly. He continues to be identified with the Republican Party and has focused on issues such as agriculture, commerce, and public safety during his tenure.