The 36th District will have a new representative in the Illinois House.

State Rep. Kelly Burke has decided not to seek re-election for the position she has held since 2011, a decision she made in the fall.

“I still have a lot of enthusiasm; I love the job,” said Burke, who was also elected as mayor of Evergreen Park in 2021. “I had some health challenges during the year, and it made me think that it might be nature’s way of telling me it’s time to slow down a little bit.”

Burke was re-elected to the Illinois House in 2022 after defeating David Sheppard in the general election with 61.8 percent of the vote.

In the Illinois legislature, she chairs the Ethics and Elections Committee and is involved with higher education, the state budget, health care and pension issues. Burke said she has learned much during her time in Springfield.

“You learn a lot about working and trying to build consensus,” said Burke, “realizing that other people have great ideas and you have to work together to bring them to the table and figure out what the best things is.”

While Burke will be leaving Springfield, she plans to continue to serve as mayor of Evergreen Park and work to get things done in the village.

“When you are in the legislature, you are dealing with big picture things,” said Burke. “You are looking to see how you can make things better, either work better or come up with better outcomes for people.”

Burke is excited to work at implementing some of the big-picture ideas as she continues to serve as mayor.

“That part can be really fun,” said Burke. “It can be a challenge, but it is a great challenge; in general, it is a lot of fun.”

Burke has endorsed Rick Ryan as her replacement in Springfield.

“Rick has had a lot of community involvement, coaching youth supports and supporting foundations,” said Burke. “He also has been politically active for a long time. He knows and has helped people all over the district.”

Ryan, a practicing attorney, grew up in Oak Lawn and attended St. Germaine Elementary School and Br. Rice High School. He and his wife, Maureen, have lived in Evergreen Park for over 30 years.

Ryan said he wants to continue what Burke started in Springfield.

“What excites me is being able to continue her good work,” said Ryan. “Knowing she was leaving, I wanted to make sure the 36th District was represented by like-minded people who continue to believe in public safety and a strong neighborhood to raise our children.

“She provided that leadership for the district, and I want to continue to do that.”

Ryan praised Burke for the legacy she created in Springfield.

“She has been a strong ambassador for our neighborhood, our children and public safety,” said Ryan. “I would like to continue to do the same things that she has been doing.”

Ryan has also been endorsed by state Sen. Bill Cunningham.

“Bill and I have had lengthy talks, and we are both looking forward to working together down in Springfield and in the neighborhoods,” said Ryan. “Bill has done a tremendous job in the Senate, and his endorsement means a lot to me.”

Elections for the Illinois House of Representatives will be held in November 2024.

Burke said she worked with outstanding colleagues.

“It has been a pleasure,” said Burke, “with my former colleagues, [former state Rep. Fran Hurley, Bill Cunningham and now state Rep. Mary Gill]. What we were able to do is, honestly, a model for how it should be done. We partnered on so many programs and presentations, and we worked as a unit for the betterment of the community.”

Burke said she will miss working closely with local leaders in the House.

“It wasn’t about Bill or me or Fran; it was about how do the three of us work together to bring the best services, programs and decisions to the people across the 19th and 18th wards as well as Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn,” said Burke.

“I’ll miss that comradery.”