Art Turner Jr.

Arthur Turner, Jr. was born and raised in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. He is a graduate of Chicago’s Providence St. Mel High School, and received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Morehouse College in Atlanta. Turner received his law degree from Southern Illinois University’s School of Law in Carbondale, Illinois.

After college, Turner served as a community organizer and mentor to youth in North Lawndale. He worked as a tax credit analyst and underwriter for the Illinois Housing Development Authority. In 2010, he was elected to serve as the state representative in the 9th House District.  He worked for Johnson and Bell, Ltd. in Insurance and Product Liability before joining Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

As a legislator, Turner sponsored legislation to increase economic development and help give loans to small businesses; particularly in areas in need of the greatest economic growth. Turner advocated for stronger personal privacy measures to protect consumers and their personal information online. Turner’s legislative agenda also focused on providing affordable housing for Illinois residents, and access to quality health care for all.

Turner joined Speaker Madigan’s leadership team in 2013 as an Assistant Majority leader. He became Deputy Majority Leader in 2017. Turner served as a member of various committees including Executive, Revenue & Finance, Public Utilities, Cybersecurity; Data Analytics & IT, and chairman of the Judiciary – Criminal Law Committee.

Turner has been recognized for his legislative efforts by a wide variety of advocates and organizations, including being named an Edgar Fellow in 2012.

Art is married to his wife, Alisha. They reside in Springfield.