Chicago, Illinois – State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-11) was surprised to find a handful of Senate Democrats come together on Friday to celebrate his 50th birthday party at Cinco Estrellas Restaurant, located at 2908 W. 59th Street.

“I have a lot of respect for my colleagues,” said Sandoval. “It means the world to me that they were able to make time to join me on this momentous day.”

The senators took turns praising Sandoval for his hard work and dedication to the people of Illinois.

Senate President John Cullerton (D-6) gave a brief summary of senator’s public service record.

“This man has more experience as a public servant than all of us combined,” said Cullerton. “Fifteen years in the federal government as a procurement officer for the EPA, three years as a Commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and he is currently serving his tenth year as a State Senator."

Mariachi Los Palmeros were on hand to sing the traditional Mexican song ‘Las Mañanitas,’ followed by the classic Happy Birthday song.

“I may be 50 but I don’t feel a day over 30,” said Sandoval.

Pictured: (back) Senator Michael Frerichs (D-52), (front left to right) Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-16), Senate President John J. Cullerton (D-6), Senator Martin Sandoval (D-11) and Senator Daniel Biss (D-9). Senator Antonio Muñoz (D-1) was also present but not pictured.

Cicero, Illinois – Leaders of The World Mission Society Church of God drove from Naperville to visit State Senator Martin Sandoval to personally thank him for his service to the people of Illinois.

“We’ve been following Senator Sandoval for awhile,” said Brenda Flores, Press Committee Director. “We wanted to thank him for his commitment to humanity and offer our volunteer services should he need a helping hand.”

The Church of God prides itself for ‘bringing happiness to the world’ through their volunteer services, which include performing environmental cleanups, disaster relief, blood drives and community support.

Senator Sandoval represents the 11th Senate District, which includes the neighborhoods of Brighton Park, Clearing, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, Little Village, West Lawn, and West Cook municipalities of Bedford Park, Burbank, Cicero, Forest View, Lyons, McCook, Stickney, Summit and Riverside.