The McHenry County state’s attorney announced his sudden withdrawal from the 2024 race for state’s attorney and said he will leave office at the end of his term in November.
McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally said in a statement late Tuesday morning that he has decided to remove himself from the 2024 race for McHenry County state’s attorney. He will leave the office at the end of his term on November 30.
“I love the job and will carry with me an abiding sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to represent the wonderful people of McHenry County,” Kenneally said.
“After protracted conversations with family and friends, considerable prayer, non-stop agonizing, and having taken stock of the life’s immediate challenges, which include raising four young children and caring for two ailing parents, I have concluded that I cannot commit to undertaking four more years with the same vigor that I have endeavored to devote over the last eight and that the formidable job of state’s attorney demands,” he said.
Kenneally said he believes that McHenry County has the best state’s attorney’s office in the state.
He called the attorneys in his office “talented” and “wonderful people” and said the office is well-equipped to serve residents and crime victims over the transition period to come.
“The only thing that has made the lead-heavy burden of this decision bearable is that there is someone of unassailable character and talent who has decided to seek the approval of the Republican Party in filling my vacancy as candidate,” Kenneally said.
“A person who, if fortunate enough to be nominated and elected, will do truly great things,” he added.
Kenneally won the Republican primary election last month after running unopposed. He was first elected as state’s attorney in 2016.