Ronald A. Wait
American politician (1944–2024)
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Ronald A. Wait (April 15, 1944 – December 2024) was an American politician who was a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 69th district from 1995 to 2011. He previously served as a member in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993.
68th district (1995–2003)
Ron Wait | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1995 – 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Barbara Giolitto |
| Succeeded by | Joe Sosnowski |
| Constituency | 69th district (2003–2011) 68th district (1995–2003) |
| In office 1983 – 1993 | |
| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Calvin Skinner (redistricted) |
| Constituency | 64th district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 15, 1944 Belvidere, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | December 2024 (aged 80) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jody |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | Drake University (BS, JD) Northern Illinois University (MSEd, MBA) |
| Profession | Farmer Politician |
Legislative career
Wait was first elected in 1982 defeating Democratic candidate Judith A. Weiher.[1] The 64th district included all of Boone County, eastern Winnebago County, and the northern half of McHenry County.[2]
In the 1991 decennial redistricting process, Wait was redistricted into the 68th House District. The 68th included all of Boone County, eastern Winnebago County outside of Rockford, and a small portion of northern DeKalb County.[3] In the 1992 general election, Wait was defeated by Democratic candidate Barbara Giolitto.[4] In a 1994 rematch, the staunchly Republican district reverted to form and Wait was returned to the Illinois House of Representatives.[5][6]
During the 2001 decennial redistricting process, Wait retained much of his previous district, but the district was renumbered from the 68th district to the 69th district.[7] Wait opted to retire from the Illinois House of Representatives and run for a judgeship in the 17th Circuit Court of Illinois. In a three-way Republican primary, Wait lost to former Boone County State's Attorney Jim Hursh.[8] Hursh would go on to lose to independent candidate Rob Tobin.[9] Rockford City Councilman and fellow Republican Joe Sosnowski defeated Belvidere City Councilman and Democratic candidate Ray Pendzinski.[10][11]
Wait's death was announced on December 30, 2024. He was 80.[12]
