Emil Jones III (born May 16, 1978) is the Illinois State Senator for the 14th Senate District since 2010. The 14th district covers all or parts of Palos Heights, Oak Forest, Crestwood, Blue Island, Alsip, Midlothian, and Riverdale. Jones is the son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones.

Electoral career

In the midst 2008 election season, Jones' father, Illinois Senate president Emil Jones, Jr., vacated the 14th Legislative District Illinois Senate seat in August, after the February 5 primary had already passed; son Jones III was appointed as Democratic candidate and won the November 2008 general election. Jones was re-elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012, 2016 (to a 2-year term), and 2018, running unopposed in each election.

Illinois State Senate

As of July 2022, Jones is a member of the following Illinois Senate committees: Jones also serves as the Treasurer for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. In September 2022, Jones was indicted on three felony charges, including bribery and lying to federal agents in connection with a scandal involving a company that provides red light cameras for the state of Illinois. Jones pled not guilty to the charges. Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker called for Jones to resign his seat.

Personal life

Jones is the son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. and Patricia Jones. He graduated from Chicago Christian High School before attending Chicago State University and Robert Morris College but did not receive a degree from either institution. He is Roman Catholic. Before becoming a State Senator, Jones served as an administrator at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.