Righter to Serve as Senate GOP Chief of Staff
Senator Dale Righter (R-Charleston), who did not seek re-election to the Senate in November, will serve as Chief of Staff to incoming Senate GOP Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods).
Incoming Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) is shaking up Senate Republican staff with a longtime Senate GOP fixture.
A McConchie spokesperson confirmed to The Illinoize Tuesday night that Sen. Dale Righter (R-Charleston), who did not seek re-election in November, will serve as his Chief of Staff. He replaces Brian Burian, the former Senate GOP campaign head, who will stay on staff in another role.
Righter, an attorney, was former Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno’s floor leader for many years, who often led GOP debate and questioning on legislation in a wide array of topics. He is widely regarded as a smart, eloquent, organized lawmaker with both conservative bonafides and the willingness to work across the aisle. He is also known as one of the top Senate Republican negotiators on the state budget.
“Dale has over 20 years of service as a legislator and will continue to provide great value to our caucus in this new role,” McConchie said in a statement. “His experience and impeccable knowledge of state government will greatly benefit our organization and its staff.”
Righter and McConchie have the task of making the soon-to-be 18-member Senate Republican caucus relevant in the smallest minority caucus in recent history.
Righter served in the House from 1997-2003 and was elected to the Senate in 2002. Current Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), was elected to replace Righter in the Senate. That term is set to begin January 13, though, a specific starting date for McConchie’s term as leader and, in turn, Righter’s new job, isn’t confirmed.
Also departing is current Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady’s spokesman Jason Gerwig. We’re told Gerwig wasn’t forced out, but left for another position. Gerwig will be replaced by Whitney Barnes, currently the Director of Communication and Advocacy at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. She previously worked for Governor Bruce Rauner and on Senate GOP communications staff.
No other personnel announcements have been made to the caucus or staff, though it is possible McConchie could make other changes as he begins his role as Leader.