DeKalb Times

State Representative Jeff Keicher and 118 members of the Illinois House of Representatives convened for the inauguration of the 104th General Assembly. The event took place at the Sangamon Auditorium on the University of Illinois Springfield campus, where each member took the oath of office for a new two-year term.

Keicher has been representing Illinois’ 70th District since July 2018, covering parts of DeKalb County and Kane County, as well as portions of McHenry County following redistricting in 2023. During his address, Keicher stated, “Illinois families deserve and expect a state government that reflects their families’ priorities.” He criticized what he described as a "rubber stamp" approach by the majority in favor of a partisan Governor’s agenda over nonpartisan solutions to issues such as cost of living, housing, healthcare, public education, and family support.

The composition of the Illinois House for the 2025-2026 term includes 78 Democrats and 40 Republicans. After taking their oaths, Representative Chris Welch from Hillside was re-elected Speaker of the House while Representative Tony McCombie from Savanna retained her position as Minority Leader.

Keicher's background includes significant volunteer work within his community and industry organizations. His leadership roles have spanned various boards including those with Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, Sycamore Public Library, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Illinois chapter, and Sycamore Rotary Club. He has also served on boards for DeKalb Chapter American Red Cross, NAIFA Fox Valley, and Kishwaukee YMCA.

With over 25 years in the insurance sector after graduating from Northern Illinois University, Keicher founded his own State Farm Insurance Agency in Sycamore in 2006. This agency serves northern Illinois with continued growth. Keicher lives in Sycamore with his wife Karen and their three children.