![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2020/01/20093112/Don-Harmon.jpg)
By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois senators elected Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) to the presidency Sunday evening to succeed the retiring Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago).
The vote was 37-12 over the only other candidate placed on the floor for nomination, Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington). As has been custom, Harmon and Brady voted for one another.
Harmon won a Senate Democratic caucus vote, held in private earlier Sunday, 22-17 over Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). Rather than continue caucus voting, the two struck a deal by which Lightford would remain majority leader. It takes thirty votes to win.
The legislature returns to session Jan. 28.