Paying the Price – Senator Neil Anderson

Written by Rev. Calvin Lindstrom

When State Senator Neil Anderson, a Republican from Andalusia representing Illinois’ 47th Senate District, introduced Senate Bill 3572 on February 5, 2026, knowing very well that he was introducing legislation that would cause a firestorm of controversy and that very likely he would have to pay a political price.

A synopsis of SB 3572:

In a press conference on February 17, 2026, Senator Anderson stated the following:

“This wasn’t a bill that I filed thinking, ‘Oh, this is going to be great, this is going to be easy.’ This has been something I’ve been thinking and praying about for over a year. This ultimately comes down to being faithful and telling the truth.”

I don’t have to tell you what the Democrats in Illinois think about this legislation. What might surprise you is how Senate Republican Leader John Curran responded to Anderson’s bill. Curran didn’t just disagree with the bill; he labeled it “anti-woman” and “about punishment,” a choice of words that sounds more like a Democratic press release than a Republican internal critique.

Curran went beyond words. He asked Anderson to step down from caucus leadership and confronted him about his responsibilities to the broader Republican caucus. In response, Senator Anderson resigned as Deputy Republican Leader and submitted the following letter to caucus leadership:

I am writing today to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve alongside each of you over the past several years. It has been an honor to be part of this team, and I am grateful for the relationships built and the work we have accomplished together.

I have always understood that the role of caucus chair carries with it the responsibility to help shape policy thoughtfully, to consider the perspectives of fellow members and their districts, and to work toward advancing policies that strengthen our caucus and help elect more Republicans. I have taken that responsibility seriously.

However, after much reflection, I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer continue in this leadership role. I believe leadership in this capacity requires a willingness to help direct policy in ways that, at times, require compromise for political advantage. At this point, I am not willing to compromise or set aside what I believe to be true regarding the rights and protection of our unborn neighbors, even where some within our caucus may disagree or view the issue differently.

I want to express this with sincerity and respect. I care deeply for each of you, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve together. While I am saddened by the current state of our culture and the disagreements that exist on this issue, my decision is not made out of frustration, but out of conviction.

I look forward to continuing to serve alongside you in a different capacity and to working together where we share common goals. I remain committed to serving our constituents and advancing the principles we hold in common.

Thank you again for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to serve in this role.

Bondservant of Christ,
Sen. Neil Anderson

Senator Anderson maintains his seat on the Executive Committee.

Fear of Man vs. Fear of God

Darren Bailey, who is currently running for governor also attacked the bold stand by Anderson. “When women and families are facing a crisis, they need understanding, support, and real help, not the threat of jail time,” he said in a statement. “I am pro-life, but I believe we also have to face reality. Approaches like this pull people away and make it harder to move Illinois forward.”

John Curran is a former football player from the University of Illinois (listed at 6’7” and 258 lbs. when he played). He likes to speak about how his background in football serves as a foundation for his leadership style. To use a football analogy, I would say, that on this play, John Curran, instead of blocking for his teammate, tackled him and then gave the ball to the other team.

Now, I know full well that the Republicans are a super minority in the Illinois Senate. There are only 19 Republicans compared to 40 Democrats. I get the fact that politics can be a complex business, but when it comes to protecting life, isn’t truth what is most important?

The Illinois Republican Party Platform declares the following in Section VI:

1. PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO LIFE

We believe that our natural rights, as enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, begin at conception and continue until natural death. We believe that these rights include the fundamental right to life of unborn children, and we support the appointment or election of judges who share that belief.

We support a human life amendment to the federal and Illinois constitutions affirming the right to life of unborn children, and we support making clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to unborn children.

Faced with the reality of 10 lives lost every hour in our state, it becomes clear why Senator Anderson felt compelled to act, regardless of the political cost. In Sunday School, children are taught the stories of Moses, David, Esther, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul. I am sure that as children, they don’t always get the deep theology in these accounts, but inevitably, the theme of courage, certainly stands out most clearly. When we study history, aren’t we most inspired by those who put it all on the line and not those who compromised or just tried to save their own position or office?

I respect the other legislative goals of Senator Curran. I don’t want to make him an enemy. I want to instead encourage him as a friend to do what is right. I want other GOP leaders and members of the Illinois Legislature to push the issue of life consistently and without fear. Those who act in fear and compromise, if they are remembered, will not be remembered in a good way.

Continue to pray for Senator Neil Anderson. He is grateful for our prayers and support. Pray also for Senator John Curran that he would appreciate and support Sen. Neil Anderson rather than attack him.

Take ACTION: We encourage you to send Neil Anderson a note of encouragement and thanks at his campaign website HERE.