John Cullerton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Cullerton
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Cullerton in 2013
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| 38th President of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office January 14, 2009 – January 19, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Emil Jones |
| Succeeded by | Don Harmon |
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 6th district |
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| In office January 31, 1991 – January 20, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Dawn Clark Netsch |
| Succeeded by | Sara Feigenholtz |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 7th district 12th district (1979–1983) |
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| In office January 10, 1979 – January 31, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | Ellis B. Levin |
| Succeeded by | Ann Stepan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 28, 1948 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Pam Cullerton |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Loyola University, Chicago (BA, JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1970–1976 |
| Unit | Illinois National Guard |
John J. Cullerton (born October 28, 1948) is an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Cullerton served in the Illinois Senate from 1991 to 2020. He represented the 6th district. From 2009 to 2020, he was the President of the Illinois Senate.
On November 14, 2019, Cullerton shared his plan to retire in January 2020. Don Harmon, another State Senator, took his place on January 19, 2020. Cullerton officially left the Senate the next day.
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Early Life and Education
John Cullerton grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Loyola University Chicago. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He also earned a law degree (J.D.) from the same university.
After law school, Cullerton worked as a Chicago Assistant Public Defender. This job means he helped people who could not afford a lawyer. Later, he worked at a law firm called Fagel and Haber. The Cullerton family has a history in politics. His family's political involvement goes back to Edward Cullerton, a longtime Chicago alderman.
Political Career
Serving in the Illinois House
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In 1979, John Cullerton was elected to the Illinois General Assembly. This is where laws are made for the state. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives for twelve years. During this time, he was the Democratic Floor Leader. This role helps guide the party's actions in the House.
His campaign website stated that he sponsored many bills. He also had many of his bills passed into law. This happened during the 93rd and 94th General Assemblies.
Serving in the Illinois Senate
In 1991, Cullerton was chosen to fill a vacant seat in the Illinois Senate. He was then elected to the Senate in 1992. In the Senate, he became the Majority Caucus Whip. This role helps make sure party members vote together. He was known for sponsoring many bills. Many of these bills were signed into law by the governor.
In 1994, Cullerton ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He challenged Dan Rostenkowski in the Democratic primary election. Cullerton finished second among five candidates.
On November 19, 2008, Cullerton was chosen to be the Senate President. He started this important role in 2009. He took over from Emil Jones, who was retiring.
As Senate President, his first big goal was to pass a Capital Bill. This bill provided about $31 billion for public works projects. These projects created many jobs across Illinois. Cullerton also led the Senate during a very important event. This was the process to remove former Governor Rod Blagojevich from office.
Cullerton also served as a delegate in 2012. He attended the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
Professional Life
While serving as a state senator, John Cullerton also worked part-time. He was a partner at a law firm. This firm, Fagel Haber, later joined with Thompson Coburn LLP in 2007. Cullerton continued to work there. He focused on areas like government relations and real estate law.
Retirement
In November 2019, Cullerton announced his retirement. He officially stepped down as Illinois Senate President in January 2020.
Personal Life
John Cullerton is married to Pam Cullerton. They have five children together.
