By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News

(HINSDALE, IL)  — Another Illinois politician is calling it quits.

Republican State Rep. Patti Bellock of Hinsdale announced today that she will not seek re-election in 2018. She has been in office since 1998.

In a statement posted to Bellock’s website, she says it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the community and thanked her family, friends and the residents of her district for their support over the years.

Bellock was the first woman in Illinois history to serve as Deputy Leader of a legislative caucus when she was appointed Deputy House Minority Leader in 2013.

Some of the landmark legislation she worked on over the years includes the SMART Act which reformed portions of the Illinois Medicaid system, MRSA infection control, grant transparency and reform, improving the Amber Alert system and strengthening child support in Illinois.

Her announced departure comes after Christine Radogno, the former leader of the Senate Republicans resigned July 1 of this year, State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) announced in June that she would not be seeking re-election, State Rep. Chad Hays (R-Catlin) announced July 3 that he also would not be seeking re-election, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) announced last week that she would not seek re-election, State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley) announced Monday that he would not seek re-election, State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) announced in June he would not seek re-election and State Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport) who resigned June 2 because her husband accepted a job out of state.

@ 2017 WLS-AM News