SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative David Friess, R-Red Bud, took the oath of office on Wednesday at the inauguration ceremony of the 104th General Assembly held at the Sangamon Auditorium on the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield. Rep. Friess has served the 115th District since 2021, which includes portions of Randolph, Perry, Monroe, Jackson, St. Clair, and Washington Counties.
“It’s time to get back to work in Springfield,” Rep. Friess said. “In this new term, I remain focused on strengthening Illinois’ economy, reducing taxes and regulations, and making Illinois an all-around better place to live, work, and raise a family. It’s time we set partisanship aside and work collaboratively to realize the full potential of our great state.”
Representative Friess was born and raised in Southern Illinois. He and his wife of 32 years, Miki, grew up in Randolph County and graduated from Chester High School. They now reside in Red Bud, where they raise their two children, and Miki teaches at Red Bud Elementary School.
After graduating high school, Rep. Friess enlisted in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. He completed his active-duty obligation and joined the Air Force Reserves as a Flight Engineer on the C-141, during which time he was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. Desert Storm began and he found himself on numerous support missions flying into the theater to support the war effort. After Desert Storm, Rep. Friess worked for a Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia as an aircraft mechanic before returning to school. He put himself through college and earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Mercer University with honors and was recognized as the Most Outstanding Criminal Justice Student. Rep. Friess went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School.
David and Miki returned to Southern Illinois to raise and instill Southern Illinois values in their two children. He is a member of Ebenezer Church in Rockwood, Illinois, a member of the Red Bud VFW, the Chester American Legion, the Randolph County Bar Association, and he enjoyed coaching his son and daughter in youth sports.
In the recently-concluded 103rd General Assembly, Representative Friess served as a member of the House Committees on Public Utilities; Judiciary-Criminal; Elem Sec Ed: School Curriculum Policies; Appropriations-Public Safety; Natural Gas Subcommittee; and State Government Administration.
Constituents with questions or concerns on state issues or ideas for legislation are welcome to contact Representative Friess’ district office at (618) 282-7284 or online at RepFriess.com.