State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, has taken on an additional role after being elected Thursday night as Rock Island County Democratic Party Chairman. 

Halpin was chosen by members of the central committee, taking over from departing Chairman Derek Jones, who stepped down after leading the party for nearly three years. 

“I saw it as an opportunity to continue to unite Democrats in a year when the Republicans tend not to be unified,” Halpin said. “I think it’s important we remain strong and speak with one voice.

“My effort as State Representative has always been to make sure to have significant outreach to the residents by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and that’s something the county party has always prided itself on as well. I want to continue what Derek (Jones) has done and build on some of our successes in local races and just keep Democrats and Democrat-leaning Independents energized and ready to participate in our Democracy.”

Halpin was first elected as State Representative in 2016. He is an attorney with the Rock Island firm of McCarthy, Callas, & Feeney, P.C.