SPRINGFIELD — Lifelong Springfield resident Doris Turner was sworn in to serve as the first Black woman to represent Sangamon County in the 48th Legislative District Saturday.

“Being appointed to serve in the Senate at this critical time in our state and nation’s history is humbling,” Turner said. “The decisions made over the course of the next four months will determine how quickly our local economies and neighborhoods can bounce back from the devastation brought on by the pandemic. I’m prepared to meet this moment and get to work for the people from every part of the 48^th Legislative District, from Bunker Hill all the way to Decatur.”

In addition to working 33 years for the State of Illinois; twenty-two of those with the Department of Public Health, Turner was elected to the Springfield City Council representing Ward 3 in April 2011 after having served for ten years on the Sangamon County Board.