State Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, is retiring at the end of her current term after 20 years representing the 42nd District, she announced Monday.

Holmes was slated to run for reelection later this year, after securing the Democratic nomination in March, when she ran unopposed. Now, the Aurora Democrat will be withdrawing her name from the November ballot as she plans to finish out the remainder of her current term, which extends until January.

As for the reason for her impending retirement, Holmes cited her health as why she’s stepping down.

“Living with Multiple Sclerosis for the past 37 years has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to public service,” she said in a statement on her website. “While I have been fortunate to manage this disease for many years with few symptoms, it is now time for me to slow down and focus on my health.”

Holmes was first elected to represent the 42nd District in 2006, defeating then-Will County Board member Terri Ann Wintermute in the race for a seat that had long been held by Republican Sen. Ed Petka. Before that, Holmes served on the Kane County Board.

Now, as her time in the Senate seat nears an end, Holmes, in the statement, reflected on the accomplishments she’s proud of, like supporting small businesses, advancing protections for pets and expanding access to health care.

She also pointed to her work as the main sponsor of recently-passed state legislation allowing medical aid in dying, a controversial measure that took more than a year and multiple legislative sessions to pass through both chambers of the General Assembly amid high emotions for people on both sides of the issue.

In a statement, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, recognized Holmes’ upcoming retirement as “the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in public service.”

Kifowit said she first met Holmes when she was serving on the Kane County Board and that, “even then, it was clear that she cared deeply about her community and approached public service with a thoughtful, practical and people-first perspective.”

She also said she admires Holmes’ “grace, strength and determination” while living with Multiple Sclerosis, calling her perseverance “an inspiration to many.”

“(Holmes) has always been willing to listen, find common ground and work collaboratively to solve problems,” Kifowit said in the statement. “She understood that public service is about helping people, and she never lost sight of that responsibility.”

mmorrow@chicagotribune.com