Biography

Born in Durango, Mexico, on April 12, 1956, this representative serves the state of Illinois and has a rich background in education and public service. After graduating from St. Rita High School in Chicago in 1974, they continued their studies at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1999 and a Master’s degree in 2002. The representative began their political career in the Cook County Democratic Party from 1984 to 2000, subsequently serving on the Chicago City Council from 1986 to 1993. They represented Illinois in the state senate from 1993 to 1998 and served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 2011 to 2019. They were elected to Congress in 2019 and have been re-elected in subsequent terms.

Throughout their tenure, the representative has been an active member of several committees, emphasizing a commitment to policy areas such as transportation, infrastructure, and education. They have sponsored and co-sponsored a range of legislation that reflects their dedication to enhancing constituents' rights and improving community resources.

Among their notable recent efforts is the Same Day Registration Act of 2023 (HB239), which aims to mandate same-day voter registration at polling places. This legislation seeks to improve access to voting, especially for young and transient populations. Additionally, the Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2023 (HB208) was introduced to reform requirements concerning the sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities, emphasizing humane treatment and animal welfare.

The representative's legislative focus includes advancing healthcare accessibility, as seen in their sponsorship of the Right to Contraception Act (HB999) which seeks to guarantee access to contraceptives as a fundamental right. In the area of education, they are involved with the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025, which aims to enhance economic mobility through housing reforms.

In terms of political leaning, their active support for legislation addressing civil rights, healthcare access, and voter participation aligns them with progressive values. The representative is a prominent advocate for inclusivity and equity, seeking to dismantle barriers faced by marginalized communities. Their position on various health-related bills highlights a commitment to improving the general welfare of constituents, particularly in the realms of reproductive rights and veteran support.

Outside of their political role, the representative's personal life includes family-oriented values, which are often reflected in their legislative priorities that emphasize community welfare and support for families across Illinois. Throughout their career, they have faced both successes and challenges, maintaining a focus on serving the public and advocating for transformative change.