Natalie Toro is a former Democratic member of the Illinois Senate representing the 20th district. She served from July 10, 2023, to January 8, 2025, after being appointed to fill the vacancy left by Cristina Pacione-Zayas. Toro lost the Democratic primary in March 2024 to Graciela Guzmán ahead of a special election.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a BA from Northeastern Illinois University.
• Political Experience: Appointed to the Illinois Senate in 2023; previously a kindergarten and third-grade teacher for nearly 10 years in Chicago Public Schools. From an immigrant, union family of Puerto Rican heritage.

Notable achievements: Championed legislation prohibiting employer discrimination based on family obligations and requiring police training on autism-informed responses. Secured funding for Maryville’s St. Catherine of Siena facility to serve youth with complex medical needs.