Dillard officially resigns from Illinois Senate

WESTMONT, Ill. (AP) — Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard, who made two attempts at Illinois governor, officially resigned from the Legislature after more than two decades in office to become chairman of the Chicago-area’s Regional Transportation Authority, Senate Republican officials announced Monday.

The Hinsdale lawmaker, who first took office in 1993, also served as chief of staff to former Gov. Jim Edgar, a fact he often touted during his most recent gubernatorial bid. Despite heavy support from unions, Dillard lost the four-way GOP primary in March to businessman Bruce Rauner. He also lost a close 2010 gubernatorial GOP primary to state Sen. Bill Brady.