Karina Villa is a Democratic State Senator representing Illinois' 25th District. A lifelong resident of West Chicago born to immigrant parents and small business owners, she was elected to the Illinois Senate on November 6, 2020, becoming the first Latina to represent her district. Previously, she served in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 49th District from 2019 to 2020 after flipping a Republican-held seat in 2018. She has championed issues like workers' rights during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health access, senior care, middle-class tax relief, school funding, affordable housing, and balanced state budgets. Villa currently chairs the Public Health Committee and serves on committees including Agriculture, Appropriations, Behavioral and Mental Health, Special Committee on Pensions, Human Rights, and Health and Human Services. She was re-elected in 2022 by an 18% margin and has offered internships to support emerging leaders.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Aurora University.
• Early Career: Worked as a school social worker in the West Chicago and Villa Park school systems, focusing on children in need.
• Community Service: Served as Vice President of the West Chicago District 33 Board of Education, balancing budgets, negotiating teacher contracts, and expanding student services.
• Political Career: Elected to Illinois House ; elected to Illinois Senate, 25th District .