Biography
Liandro “Li” Arellano, Jr, a proud U.S. Army veteran and Dixon, Illinois native, was elected to the Illinois State Senate in January 2025. He represents the 37th Senate District, which includes all or parts of Bureau, DeKalb, Henry, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside, and Woodford counties.
He currently serves as the Minority Spokesperson on the Senate Public Health Committee. He also serves on the Health & Human Services, Local Government, Pensions, State Government, and Veterans Affairs Committees.
Prior to his election to the Illinois Senate, Li served two terms as the Mayor of Dixon. Over his eight years in office, he gained extensive knowledge in economic development, infrastructure investment, and long-term fiscal planning.
As a small business owner, Li opened his first restaurant at the age of 26, operating a local franchise and learning the intricacies of business management, development, and entrepreneurship.
Li attended the University of Michigan, but after the terrorist attacks of September 11, he paused his education to join the U.S. Army. He has since served in three combat deployments and is currently in the Army Reserves as a Squad Leader for the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood, Illinois.
Li married his high school sweetheart, Jamie, just before his first deployment. Together, they have five children.