Representative Norma Hernandez

Norma Hernandez is an American politician serving as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 77th district, representing Melrose Park. She is a member of the Democratic Party and was elected in November 2022, assuming office on January 11, 2023. She became the first Latina to represent the district.

Hernandez is a third-generation resident of Melrose Park, born and raised in the community. She comes from generations of agricultural workers from Jalisco, Mexico. Her grandfather originally settled in Melrose Park in the 1960s through the Bracero Program. She is the daughter of immigrants—both of her parents work in manufacturing, with her father serving as a union member for nearly 30 years.

Education

Hernandez earned an Associate's degree from Triton Community College, a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Aurora University, and a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Political Experience

Before her election to the Illinois House, Hernandez worked as an urban planner at the Great Cities Institute at UIC, where she led groundbreaking research on participatory budgeting and helped local governments implement measures involving the public in important decisions. She also worked in the foster care system earlier in her career.

In 2021, Hernandez was elected to the Triton College Board as a trustee, where she helped oversee the college's $76 million budget, promoted transparency, and advocated for greater student resources.

As a state representative, Hernandez is a member of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Progressive Caucus. She has focused on protecting workers' rights, strengthening public education, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting small businesses in her district.