Democrat Pat Quinn was elected as Governor of Illinois for the first time in 2010. Quinn had served as Governor since assuming the post in 2009. Democrats also retained control of the General Assembly. The current margin in the Senate is 35 – 24 and the current margin in the House is 64 – 54.

The Senate is led by President John Cullerton with Sen. James Clayborne Jr. as Majority Leader and Sen. Christine Radogno as Minority Leader. The House is led by Speaker Michael Madigan with Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie as Majority Leader and Rep. Tom Cross as Minority Leader. The Illinois General Assembly convenes January 11, 2012.