DeKALB | After 20 years on the job, Republican Sen. Brad Burzynski stepped down from his seat to move on in his life.

“It was all about timing for me,” Burzynski said. “It was time to move on. My wife and I had two more grandchildren–giving us now five–so we want to watch our grandkids grow up.”

Burzynski has represented the 35th Senate District in Illinois since 1993. Prior to that, he was a part of the House of Representatives in 1990.

“I’ve done this for 20 years and the job has always dictated my schedule,” Burzynski said. “Now I get to dictate my own schedule.”

Brad and his wife Judy have been married for 35 years, and he said that the two of them have been looking at this move since last year.

“We’re finally in a position to do this,” he said.

Burzynski tendered his resignation Monday which now has opened up the senate seat.

“I was frankly surprised he called me Monday night and submitted his resignation,” said Mary Simons, chairwoman of the DeKalb County Republican Party. “I’m happy for him; he represented DeKalb County excellently.”

According to DeKalb County Clerk John Acardo, the process for replacement is under way.

“The Republican party chairmen will get together and vote on who [Burzynski’s] replacement will be,” Acardo said.

On Thursday afternoon, Acardo had the chance to sit and have lunch with Burzynski.

“I was taken back,” Acardo said. “I’m very happy for him, though. He put his heart and soul into this community.”

Acardo found out about the news through Burzynski’s colleagues on Facebook.

“I’m going to maintain my home in Northern Illinois,” Burzynski said. “We’ve lived here longer than we’ve lived anywhere else, so we’ll still be here.”

Burzynski said he does not have any immediate plans for what he wants to do besides be with his family and do some volunteer work here and there.

“I’m just taking this one step at a time,” Burzynski said.