Emil Jones III[1] (born May 16, 1978)[2] is the Illinois State Senator for the 14th Senate District since 2010. The 14th district covers all or parts of Palos Heights, Oak Forest, Crestwood, Blue Island, Alsip, Midlothian, and Riverdale. Jones is the son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones.[3]

Emil Jones
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 14th district
Assumed office
January 14, 2009
Preceded byEmil Jones Jr.
Personal details
Born (1978-05-16) May 16, 1978 (age 46)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationChicago State University
Robert Morris University, Illinois

Electoral career

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In the midst 2008 election season, Jones' father, Illinois Senate president Emil Jones, Jr., vacated the 14th Legislative District Illinois Senate seat in August, after the February 5 primary had already passed; son Jones III was appointed as Democratic candidate and won the November 2008 general election.[3]

Jones was re-elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012, 2016 (to a 2-year term), and 2018, running unopposed in each election.[4]

Illinois State Senate

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As of July 2022, Jones is a member of the following Illinois Senate committees:[5]

  • Appropriations - Business Regulations and Labor Committee (SAPP-SBRL)
  • Energy and Public Utilities Committee (SENE)
  • Financial Institutions Committee (SFIC)
  • (Chairman of) Licensed Activities Committee (SLIC)
  • Public Safety Committee (SPUB)
  • Redistricting Committee (SRED)
  • Redistricting - Chicago South Committee (SRED-SRCS)
  • Transportation Committee (STRN)

Jones also serves as the Treasurer for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.[6]

In September 2022, Jones was indicted on three felony charges, including bribery and lying to federal agents in connection with a scandal involving a company that provides red light cameras for the state of Illinois. Jones pled not guilty to the charges. Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker called for Jones to resign his seat.[7][8]

Personal life

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Jones is the son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. and Patricia Jones. He graduated from Chicago Christian High School before attending Chicago State University and Robert Morris College but did not receive a degree from either institution.[1][9] He is Roman Catholic.[1][3]

Before becoming a State Senator, Jones served as an administrator at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "About Emil Jones III". Friends of Emil Jones III. Retrieved 2009-01-09.[permanent dead link] Site variously referred to Jones as "Emil Jones, III"; "Emil Jones III"; and "Mr. Emil Jones Jr. III"
  2. ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Senator Biography". www.ilga.gov. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Zimmer, Nathaniel (2008-12-26). "Jones III set to succeed father, mum on Blago scandal". SouthtownStar. Tinley Park, Illinois: Sun-Times News Group. Archived from the original on December 29, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-09. Jones effectively inherited the seat when his father announced in August that he wouldn't run for re-election and local Democratic committeemen dutifully chose the younger Jones to replace him on the ballot.
  4. ^ "Illinois State Board of Elections". Archived from the original on 21 June 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Senator Committees". ilga.gov. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
  6. ^ Kapos, Shia (2020-12-11). "BLACK CAUCUS' NEW LEADERSHIP — LaHOOD, BOST SPIN IN A TEXAS TORNADO — CALLING THE NATIONAL GUARD". POLITICO. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  7. ^ "State Sen. Emil Jones III Took Bribes from Red-Light Camera Company, Lied to Feds: Charges". wttw.com. PBS. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  8. ^ "State Sen Emil Jones III pleads not guilty in bribery case". capitolnewsillinois.com. Capitol News. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  9. ^ Marin, Carol. "Nepotitis. No cure. State politics smitten with incurable plague". Chicago Sun-Times blog. Sun-Times News Group. Archived from the original on 2008-09-08. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
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