Theresa Mah is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 24th district since 2023 . Born in San Francisco, California, to immigrant parents, she made history in 2016 as the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly. Her district includes Chicago neighborhoods such as Back of the Yards, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Armour Square/Chinatown, Marshall Square, McKinley Park, and Pilsen. Notable achievements include co-founding the House Progressive Caucus in 2019, serving as co-chair of the Illinois Asian American Legislative Caucus, and acting as Majority Conference Chair on the Speaker’s team. She has passed legislation on immigrant rights, civil rights, consumer protection, language access, health care, and occupational licensing, and is a vocal advocate for immigrant and LGBTQ+ protections.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. from UC Berkeley; Ph.D. in modern American history from the University of Chicago, with teaching experience in history, ethnic studies, and Asian American studies as a former college professor.
• Early Career: Community organizer and policy advocate with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community , focusing on voter registration, redistricting, and community issues like Chinatown infrastructure. Served as senior policy advisor to Governor Pat Quinn, drafting the first Asian American Employment Plan; local school council member; member of the Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education and board of directors for Common Cause Illinois.
• Political Experience: Elected in 2016 after winning the Democratic primary for the 2nd district; re-elected in 2018, 2020, and 2022 . Current roles include vice-chair of Health Care Licenses, House Executive Committee member, and committees such as K-12 Education Appropriations, Economic Opportunity & Equity, Public Health, and Environmental Justice.