Mokena state representative won't seek reelection in 2020

State Rep. Margo McDermed, R-Mokena, announced Wednesday that she won’t be seeking reelection to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2020.

McDermed said in a news release Wednesday that if she were to win reelection next year, she would be turning 70 years old shortly after being sworn in.

“After 30 years as a corporate lawyer, followed by 14 years as an elected official, it’s time to retire again,” McDermed said.

The former Frankfort Township clerk and Will County Board member had served in the General Assembly since 2015, representing the 37th District. McDermed said during her time as a state representative, she worked on local issues regarding veteran services, support for substance use treatment providers and more.

“Margo will be deeply missed,” House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said. “Rep. McDermed was the House Republican point person on the recently enacted capital bill and represented her caucus well.”

McDermed said her work on securing needed funding for Interstate 80 improvements came about because her constituents were concerned about the highway’s condition. She also worked to pass legislation to study the tracking of sexual assault evidence kits in order to speed the testing process and prevent kits from being lost.

“After serving out my current term that ends in January 2021, I plan to travel, quilt, volunteer and spend more time with my two granddaughters and all my family,” McDermed said.