John Milhiser Unanimously Approved by Sangamon County Board

The Sangamon County Board unanimously approved the nomination of John Milhiser to serve as Sangamon County State's Attorney. Milhiser will replace the current State's Attorney, Dan Wright, who has accepted the nomination as a Seventh Circuit Associate Judge. The appointment is effective Friday, November 17, through the end of the term following the 2024 election. 

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said, 'We are thrilled to welcome John back. I have full faith in his ability to lead the office and continue protecting the citizens of Sangamon County as our top prosecutor." 

Milhiser's legal career began in 1997 as an Assistant State's Attorney in Sangamon County, where he prosecuted cases in the juvenile, civil, and felony divisions before transitioning to private practice in 2003. In 2008, he returned to the State's Attorney's Office as the First Assistant State's Attorney. In 2010, he was appointed the State's Attorney and subsequently elected twice, first in 2012 and again in 2016.

In 2018, Milhiser was nominated to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. As the U.S. Attorney, Milhiser served as the chief law enforcement officer on behalf of the citizens in the district's 46 counties to prosecute federal criminal cases and as legal counsel for the U.S. government. 

Reflecting on the appointment, Milhiser said, "I am deeply honored to accept this appointment and return as State's Attorney in Sangamon County. I look forward to continuing the important work of the office and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community."

Milhiser holds an undergraduate degree from James Madison University and a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law. He currently resides in Springfield with his wife and two daughters.