Robert W. Churchill

Robert Churchill
Majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office
1995–1997
Preceded byJim McPike
Succeeded byBarbara Flynn Currie
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 62nd district
In office
2003–2007
Preceded byTim Osmond (redistricted)
Succeeded bySandy Cole
In office
1983–1999
Preceded byDistrict created
Succeeded byTim Osmond
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
ChildrenThree
ResidenceLake Villa, Illinois

Robert W. Churchill (born April 10, 1947) is a former American politician and lawyer.

Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Churchill received his bachelor's degree in history and political science from Northwestern University and his Juris Doctor degree from University of Iowa College of Law. He practiced law at Grayslake Law Firm in Grayslake, Illinois, since 1972, and lived in Lake Villa, Illinois. He currently lives in Grayslake, Illinois and, as of 2024, still practices law.

Churchill was involved with the Republican Party. He served in numerous party positions, eventually chairing the Lake County Republican Central Committee. He was elected to the Republican National Nominating Convention as a Delegate in 1980, 1992, 1996 & 2004 (Secretary of the Illinois Delegation in 1992 & 1996) and as an Alternate Delegate in 1984.

He was elected and served as a Lake Villa Township Trustee from 1981 to 1983.

In the 1982 general election, Churchill defeated Robert Gesiakowski of Antioch.[1] Churchill served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1983 to 1999 and from 2003 to 2007.[2][3] After the Republicans took control of the House during the Republican Revolution, Churchill was named Majority Leader by Speaker Lee A. Daniels.[4]

In 1998, Churchill ran for the Republican nomination for Illinois Secretary of State, ultimately losing to former state legislator Al Salvi.[5] After the 2001 decennial redistricting process, Churchill successfully ran for the Illinois House of Representatives from the 62nd district.[6][7] Churchill continued in the Illinois House until a failed bid for the Republican nomination to face Democratic incumbent Melissa Bean in Illinois's 8th congressional district.[8] Churchill lost the primary to David McSweeney.[9]

  1. ^ Gherardini, Caroline (ed.). "Board of Elections announces the newest legislative candidates". Illinois Issues. 8 (10). Sangamon State University. ISSN 0738-9663. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  2. ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 2005-2006, Biographical Sketch of Robert W. Churchill, pg. 97
  3. ^ Our Candidates.com.-Robert W. Churchill
  4. ^ Halperin, Jennifer. "Regional differences could hamper GOP strength in the legislature". Illinois Issues. 21 (1): 8. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  5. ^ Kuczka, Susan; Garza, Melita Marie (March 18, 1998). "White, Salvi Capture Nominations". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  6. ^ Zahorik, Ralph (March 20, 2002). "Washington takes 60th District". Lake County News-Sun. p. A5 – via NewsBank at Chicago Public Library.
  7. ^ Miller, David R. (ed.). "Biographies of New House Members" (PDF). First Reading. 16 (3). Illinois Legislative Research Unit: 13. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  8. ^ Miller, David R. (ed.). "Biographies of New House Members" (PDF). First Reading. 20 (2). Illinois Legislative Research Unit: 10. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  9. ^ "Wounded Iraq Vet Wins Illinois Primary". Associated Press. March 22, 2006. Retrieved July 5, 2021.