About

117th District State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) was first elected to serve as Illinois’ 118th district State Representative in 2018. Due to redistricting, Rep. Windhorst is now the 117th district State Representative, representing all or parts of Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Saline, Williamson, and White Counties. 

After graduating from Massac County High School, Patrick graduated from Shawnee Community College in 1995, then earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois in 1997 before going on to graduate from law school at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2000. In 2004, Patrick was elected as State’s Attorney for Massac County where he served until being elected State Representative in November 2018. As State’s Attorney, Patrick worked to reduce violent crime and to protect his community from the scourge of drug addiction. 

In two terms as State Representative, Patrick has served on the following Illinois House Committees and Subcommittees: Criminal Administration and Enforcement Subcommittee, Ethics and Elections, Family Law & Probate Subcommittee, Firearms and Firearm Safety Subcommittee, Higher Education, Human Services and Human Services Appropriations, Judiciary Civil Law, Judiciary Criminal Law, Mental Health, Restorative Justice, and Sentencing, Penalties and Criminal Procedure Subcommittee.

Patrick has been a leading voice in the legislature opposing unconstitutional measures that would end cash bail and restrict the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Patrick helped lead the House Republican caucus in opposing the controversial SAFE-T Act, and has continuously argued that ending cash bail in Illinois is dangerous and unconstitutional.

Rep. Windhorst has sponsored legislation to increase the rights of victims of violent crime. He has also sponsored legislation that would greatly enhance ethics laws governing legislators and other elected officials. Patrick believes in limited government, reduced regulatory burdens on employers, and incentivizing economic development for rural, underpopulated areas.

Patrick is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Metropolis Rotary Club, the Shawnee College Foundation Board, the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Massac County Drug Awareness Coalition. Patrick and his wife Holly reside in Metropolis with their two children.