Illinois Legislature honors State Rep. Cyril Nichols in Tribute Resolution
Video: State Rep. Cyril Nichols was one of the hardest-working members of the Illinois General Assembly. Despite his dedication to the needs of residents of his diverse 32nd House District that ran from Chicago to Bridgeview, we did not get the backing of the leadership for re-election and he retired. But his achievements in his short career eclipsed the work of many veteran legislators. Nichols is credited with backing legislation and laws that addressed the needs of his residents and not the interests of the politicians.
The Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025 honored retiring State House member Cyril Nichols for his achievements as a legislator.
Nichols, who was considered one of the hardest-working legislative members, retired from he post after being pushed out by the leadership.
Nichols was admired for his constant dedication to the needs of residents of his 32nd House District which stretched from Chicago to Bridgeview in the suburbs, embracing a diversity of communities including Black, White, Arab Americans, Hispanics and Asians.
“He did more during his 3 years in office, appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022, than most others in Springfield,” said veteran political columnist Ray Hanania.
“His retirement is a tragedy for residents who seek honest leadership, an achievement that speaks to their needs and not the selfish needs of some legislators, or the politics of others. Cyril Nichols was responsive, caring and dedicated to doing what was needed to be done. He will create a vacuum in the legislature.”
Several colleagues, who are also dedicated to the needs of citizens, spoke at the meeting in which he was feted.
Use the widget below to watch the video of the tributes for State Rep. Cyril Nichols, or click this link.
Cyril Nichols is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 32nd district since April 8, 2021.
Nichols was appointed on April 8, 2021, to fill the seat of former state Representative Andre Thapedi after Thapedi resigned on March 17, 2021.[1] Nichols dropped out of the 2024 Democratic primary for re-nomination, leaving Lisa Davis, an assistant public defender, the sole candidate in the primary.
Early life, education, and career

Nichols is the associate athletics director for City Colleges of Chicago.
As of July 3, 2022, Representative Nichols is a member of the following Illinois House committees:
- Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools (HELO)
- Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges (HTRR)
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