Representative Lilian Jiménez

Political Party: Democratic

District: Illinois House District 4

District Composition: Humboldt Park, Ukrainian Village, West Town, and Hermosa

Lilian Jiménez is a native Chicagoan and attorney dedicated to labor rights, immigration policy, and social justice advocacy. She was raised by an undocumented mother from Mexico who was a grassroots community leader and a father who migrated from rural Puerto Rico to Chicago seeking manufacturing work. Her personal experiences with poverty, disinvestment, and discrimination have shaped her commitment to serving working-class families, low-wage workers, immigrants, and underinvested Black and Brown communities.

Jiménez began her career running citizenship and advocacy programs at nonprofit agencies including Erie Neighborhood House and Association House of Chicago in the Humboldt Park, West Town, and Hermosa communities. She provided leadership training for immigrant mothers at local schools and served as Political Action Coordinator at UNITE!, organizing garment workers at industrial laundries across the Midwest.

Education

Jiménez holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Latin American and Latino Studies. She earned her law degree from DePaul University.

Political Experience

Government Service:

Prior to her election to the Illinois State Legislature, Jiménez served in the Governor's administration as Director of the Office of Welcoming Centers for Immigrant and Refugee Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she implemented millions in rental assistance, social services, and COVID recovery programs in coordination with community-based organizations.

She also served as Director of the Fair Labor Standards Division of the Illinois Department of Labor, where she instituted the first-ever U-visa policy to assist victims of workplace abuse and increased fines for wage theft and domestic labor abuses while addressing the exploitation of temporary workers.

Additionally, Jiménez served as Chief of Staff for Cook County Board Commissioner Jesus Chuy Garcia.

Legislative Career:

Jiménez was first elected to the Illinois State House in November 2022 and won her re-election in 2024. She currently serves as Chair of the Illinois Housing Committee. She resides in West Humboldt Park with her husband and son.