Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon was elected Senate President by his colleagues Wednesday, vowing to keep Illinois moving forward and calling on all in public office to strive for unity in a time of division and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

“I am challenging myself, and everyone here, to be better leaders of our state, to treat everyone with decency and respect, and to let that shine through our work,” Harmon said. “Because at the end of the day, we are all here because we love this state, the people who call it home, and want the best for all of them.”