Graciela Guzmán is a Democratic member of the Illinois State Senate representing the 20th District since January 2025. She is the first Salvadoran to serve in the Illinois General Assembly and focuses on healthcare access, education, housing affordability, and progressive policies.

Graciela Guzmán serves as a Democratic State Senator for Illinois' 20th District, which covers parts of Chicago's northwest side. Elected in 2024 after defeating incumbent Natalie Toro in the Democratic primary, she assumed office in January 2025 during the 104th General Assembly. Notable achievements include leading efforts to make Illinois the first state to offer healthcare to immigrant adults, founding the Chicago Affordable Care Act Consortium and mutual aid hubs like Belmont Cragin Mutual Aid, and serving as chief of staff to former State Senator Christina Pacione-Zayas. She has advocated for single-payer healthcare, staff-to-patient ratios in facilities, gender-affirming care access, rent control, and anti-gentrification measures. In 2025, she pushed to protect healthcare for undocumented residents and organized ICE patrols amid federal enforcement actions. Guzmán holds committee roles such as vice-chair of Appropriations - Education and serves on committees for Higher Education, Public Health, and Veterans Affairs.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in anthropology from Grinnell College; current member of the Grinnell College Board of Trustees.
• Political Experience: Over a decade as a healthcare and education organizer with the Healthy Illinois campaign, Protect Our Care Illinois, and Chicago Teachers Union. Active in mutual aid during COVID-19 and for asylum seekers. Recent legislative successes include bills on academic freedom at universities, addressing sexual violence in higher education, and electronic monitoring in assisted living.