Democratic Illinois state Sen. Martin Sandoval said hes resigning amid a federal probe into alleged bribery and public corruption.
Sandoval, who hasnt been charged with any wrongdoing, sent a letter to the Illinois State Board of Elections announcing he would resign as of Jan. 1, 2020.
“Since 2003, it has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the State of Illinois and fight on behalf of the good people of the Southwest-Side of Chicago/Suburban West Cook,” Sandoval wrote.
“Respect for my constituents and the Senate has convinced me that this action is necessary in order to proceed without distraction to the important work that needs to be accomplished for working families throughout the state of Illinois in the future.”
Sandoval said he was resigning “with heavy heart.”
According to The Southern Illinoisan, by delaying the resignation until next year, Sandoval can get full pay for December and January.
Sandoval, 55, resigned as chairman of the Transportation Committee in October after his office was raided.
According to an FBI search warrant (pdf), agents seized multiple iPhones, computers, and USB drives, along with other items.
“The unredacted warrant provides another glimpse into the vast network of background players involved in the corrupt Chicago Democrat machine that runs this state,” Illinois Republican Party chairman Tim Schneider said in a statement at the time.
“From another close Madigan ally to Pritzkers Tollway appointee, there is virtually no level of state and local government in Cook County that is not teeming with self-dealing Democrats looking to screw over taxpayers. The Illinois Democratic Party is a crime ring masquerading as a political party.”
