Willie Preston is a Democratic State Senator representing Illinois' 16th District, which includes all or parts of Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Burbank, Chicago, Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Justice, Oak Lawn, and Palos Hills. Born and raised in Chicago, he resides in the city's Auburn Gresham neighborhood and was first elected to the State Senate in 2023. A former union carpenter, Preston has advocated for working families by banning toxic food additives, expanding union apprenticeships, and ensuring individuals released from prison receive a state ID. He serves as Chair of the Senate Black Caucus and is a devoted husband and father of six.

Education and Political Experience

Preston attended Chicago State University and Roosevelt University after working as a union carpenter. Before entering the State Senate, he served on the board of the Chicagoland YMCA’s early childhood education program, the Local School Council at Scott Joplin Elementary as a community and parent representative, and organized the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability to influence community resources and opportunities.