Representative Edgar González, Jr.

Edgar González, Jr. is a Democratic state representative who represents the 23rd House District in Illinois. Born and raised in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood on the Southwest Side, González is the son of immigrants from Monterrey, Mexico. His father is an operating engineer and member of IUOE Local 399, while his mother is a former member of SEIU Local 73. The 23rd District encompasses the Chicago neighborhoods of Little Village and Brighton Park, as well as the Town of Cicero.

Education

González graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. He attended Chicago Public Schools before pursuing his higher education.

Political Experience

González serves as Assistant Majority Leader and Floor Whip for the Illinois House Democratic Caucus, a position he has held since January 2020. Throughout his tenure, he has focused his legislative efforts on several key areas including immigration, social security, veterans' affairs, criminal justice, and education.

Among his notable legislative initiatives, González has worked to expand diversity in the leadership of Illinois' large non-profits through legislation requiring major grantmaking organizations and service providers to disclose their racial, ethnic, and gender breakdown. Additionally, he has championed legislation ensuring that qualified businesses and restaurants continue to accept cash payments, recognizing the importance of cash transactions within his community.