David Allen Welter appointed chairman of House Republican Conference

State Rep. David Allen Welter, R-Morris, has been appointed House Republican Conference chairman for the 102nd General Assembly. At age 29, Welter joins Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, as the youngest members of the House leadership team.

Welter’s appointment was announced Monday by House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs.

“I am honored to have been selected to join the House Republican leadership team,” Welter said in a news release. “I believe Leader Durkin has shown he is committed to not just the future of our party but also our state with his announcement today [Monday]. I look forward to using my influence to advocate for a broad energy package which will make Illinois a leader in competitive and reliable energy for generations to come. If we choose to lead together, both Democrats and Republicans, there is no challenge we cannot face, no obstacle we cannot overcome if we are united for the common good. I have shown to be effective working across the aisle, and I will continue to do that when I believe it benefits our area and our state.”

Durkin cited Welter’s commitment to Republican values and recent work in the General Assembly as the reason for his appointment.

“As the former Grundy County [Board] chairman at the age of 23, David has proven to be a longstanding advocate for the principles of the House Republican caucus and the values of his district,” Durkin said. “David recently was involved in the House investigations on the deadly outbreak at the La Salle Veterans Home. His thorough questioning of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs has pushed the investigation into the right direction. We look forward to David bringing that dedication and energy to the House Republican leadership team.”

Before his appointment to the state General Assembly in 2016, Welter served as chairman of the Grundy County Board, to which he was first elected in 2010. His private sector experience includes work as the human resource manager for Illinois Truck and Equipment. Welter also is a licensed real estate agent practicing in Morris.

Welter has represented the 75th District since July 2016 serving portions of Grundy, Kendall, La Salle and Will counties.