Senator Patrick J. Joyce

Senator Patrick Joyce, a fourth-generation farmer and small business owner, brings a deep connection to the 40th Senate District and the values of hard work, family, and community. Raised in Reddick and a longtime resident of Essex with his wife, Rita, Joyce has dedicated his career to strengthening the region he calls home.

In Springfield, Joyce is focused on expanding access to quality healthcare, protecting the environment, and improving education. His personal journey—particularly the loss of his daughter, Katelyn, to leukemia in 2011—fuels his commitment to making the healthcare system more compassionate, navigable, and supportive for families facing serious illness. Each year, he continues to honor her memory by leading a team in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night fundraiser.

A strong advocate for environmental protection, Joyce has long championed conservation of the Kankakee River and remains committed to ensuring that every community has access to clean, affordable drinking water. He believes safeguarding natural resources and addressing climate change are urgent responsibilities that will shape the future for generations to come.

Joyce is equally committed to strengthening education. He champions policies to reduce class sizes, recognizing that smaller classrooms give every child—regardless of background—a stronger chance to succeed.

With more than 25 years of experience operating his family farm and business, Senator Joyce understands the challenges facing working families, farmers, and entrepreneurs in the South Suburbs, Kankakee, and surrounding communities. He is dedicated to being their voice in Springfield and to advancing policies that improve quality of life across the 40th District.