State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Dist. 47) | Contributed photo
State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Dist. 47) | Contributed photo
State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Dist. 47) took over as new dean of the House Republican Women this week.
Bellock replaces Rep. Renee Kosel (R-Dist. 37), who retired earlier this year.
"I’ve been very privileged to learn from some amazing woman trailblazers in the General Assembly over the years since I first came to Springfield in 1999," Bellock said. “Women like Mary Lou Cowlishaw from Naperville and Kay Wojcik from Schaumburg, who had both entered the House in the early 1980s when there were very few Republican women leaders at the Capitol, left a strong imprint on our caucus."
The GOP female House population ranges in age from the late 60s down to the newest member, 22-year-old Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Dist. 95).
"Corinne Wood went from the Illinois House to become the first female lieutenant governor in Illinois history the same year I was first elected to the House," Bellock said. "It’s been an honor to serve alongside outstanding women on both sides of the aisle over the years. Today, I am very glad to carry on the tradition of mentoring the newer members that have come in. The current crop of GOP women represent a cross-section of the entire state, and together we make a great team."
Bellock's district includes portions of Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Burr Ridge and Western Springs.
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