| Mark Walker | |
| State Senate: | Illinois |
| District: | 27th |
| Term Start: | May 11, 2024 |
| Predecessor: | Ann Gillespie |
| State House2: | Illinois |
| District2: | 53rd |
| Term Start2: | January 9, 2019 |
| Term End2: | May 11, 2024 |
| Predecessor2: | David Harris |
| Successor2: | Nicolle Grasse |
| State House3: | Illinois |
| District3: | 66th |
| Term Start3: | January 2009 |
| Term End3: | January 2011 |
| Predecessor3: | Carolyn H. Krause |
| Successor3: | David Harris |
| Party: | Democrat |
| Spouse: | Joan |
| Education: | Brown University (BA, MA) |
Mark L. Walker (born 1947/1948) is a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate for the 27th district. The district, located in the Chicago metropolitan area, includes parts of Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Barrington, Inverness, Palatine, Prospect Heights and South Barrington.[1]
He previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 66th district from 2009 to 2011 and the 53rd district from 2019 to 2024.
Walker served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and during his service was awarded a Bronze Star. He later became a senior executive as Citigroup, including heading worldwide credit card operations. He then went into consulting at Walker Information; providing business expertise to various firms. He has also been a soccer coach and member of the Arlington Heights Park District Foundation board, and has co-chaired the Northwest Suburban Veterans Advisory Council. He has also worked with homeless organizations, and on community housing redevelopment. Mark Walker has a Bachelor of Arts and a master's degree in culture change from Brown University.[2] [3]
In 2008, Walker defeated Republican candidate and Elk Grove Village trustee Christine Prochno to succeed outgoing Representative Carolyn Krause.[4] He served a single term during the 96th General Assembly. Walker was defeated in the 2010 general election by Republican David Harris who preceded Krause in the Illinois House. After Harris retired, Walker announced his intention to run for his seat. He defeated Republican nominee Eddie Corrigan and took office January 9, 2019.[5]
Walker is also the Democratic Committeeman for Wheeling Township.[6]
In May 2024, Walker was appointed to the Illinois Senate to replace former District 27 senator Ann Gillespie.[7]
As of 2022, Walker serves on six House committees and one subcommittee:
While representing Illinois' 53rd House district, legislation introduced by Walker that went on to become law includes HB3865, which requires any company or individual advertising veterans' benefits appeal services to disclose in the advertisement that such services are available at no cost by county veterans service officers, among other provisions.[8]