Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner announced Saturday he has chosen Chicago religious leader and former Democratic state Sen. James Meeks to head the Illinois State Board of Education.



Meeks, pastor of Salem Baptist Church on the Far South Side, endorsed Rauner for governor and was a member of the Republican's transition committee. Like Rauner, Meeks backs the increased use of charter schools and vouchers as alternatives to traditional public education and has been critical of the Chicago Teachers Union.



"The good news is you are the voice of the administration and not your own voice," said Meeks, who added that Rauner informed him of the selection on Wednesday. "It's not up to me to advocate what my personal or religious beliefs are. I'm sympathetic to improving the quality of education in the state of Illinois."



Meeks said his top priority is closing the "achievement gap" among Illinois schools. "If charters can do it, or vouchers can do it, whatever the board will think will close the education gap," Meeks said.



Meeks, 58, has described himself as a close friend of Rauner and stayed at the Republican's Montana ranch for fly fishing. Meeks said he met Rauner six years ago over the topic of education.



Meeks, who served in the legislature from 2003 to 2013, previously floated bids for governor and Chicago mayor but did not run.



Meeks' appointment requires confirmation from the Democratic-dominated Illinois Senate. While Rauner had maintained throughout his campaign that he had no social agenda, Meeks was an adamant opponent of a 2013 law that legalized same-sex marriage in Illinois.



Meeks would replace Gery Chico, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn in 2011. Chico served as chief of staff to former Mayor Richard Daley.