Bristow appointed to Beiser state representative seat

Monica Bristow, of Godfrey, was sworn in Monday to fill the vacant state representative seat for the 111th Legislative District in the Illinois House.

She was appointed by the Democratic Party in both Madison and Jersey County to fill the seat vacated upon the resignation Sunday of longtime incumbent Dan Beiser of Alton and will stand for election in the March primary. Beiser retired a year early and had previously announced his plans not to seek re-election.

“I have spent my whole life in this area and I’m proud to call it home. I grew up here, raised my family here, and I have spent my entire career working to improve the communities here,” Bristow said in a statement. “As state representative, I’m ready to work every day to create new jobs, provide tax relief for the middle class and be a strong advocate for the families in the 111th District.”

For the past 14 years, Bristow served as president of the RiverBend Growth Association and was awarded the Chamber Executive of the Year Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2015. She and her husband, Melvin, are longtime residents of Godfrey and have two grown sons, Nicholas and Daniel.

Bristow is also active in community organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Madison-Bond County Workforce Innovation Board, Illinois Rivers Foundation, YMCA Board, United Way Southwestern Illinois Auxiliary Board, OSF Saint Anthony’s Hospital and others. 

Bristow and Republican Mike Babcock, of Bethalto, are the only candidates to file for the seat.The district takes in much of the Metro East area.