She Runs Illinois 2020! — Karina Villa, candidate for IL State Senate, District 25
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Karina Villa, running for IL State Senate, District 25. Follow our series, She Runs Illinois 2020!, leading up to election day as we showcase and uplift the voices of Illinois women running for public office in the upcoming election.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up and attended school in West Chicago and I am a lifelong resident of the 25th District. I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. I was a school social worker for over fifteen years in the West Chicago and Villa Park public schools. I first ran for State Representative in 2018 because I wanted to be part of the solution helping to solve our state’s problems. As a State Representative, I have worked to implement policies to improve our schools, protect our environment, and strengthen the middle class.
Tell us about the women in your life
I am lucky to be surrounded by many strong and successful women in my life. My Mom raised me to know I can work hard and accomplish anything. I got my passion for hard work and standing up to help others from her. As a social worker and female elected official, my political idol is Jane Addams. Her work essentially founded the profession of social work, she was a co-founder of the ACLU and a leader in the women’s suffrage movement.
What led you into politics? Why are you running for this office?
My first elected office was on the West Chicago School Board. I saw firsthand the many challenges faced by my students and their families. I wanted to do more to help improve their educational experience. I am running for State Senate because I want to help the people of the 25th District to be represented by someone who will be their voice. The district deserves to have representation that will fight to strengthen the middle class, improve our public education system, and protect our environment. I believe I can be that voice.
Recognizing COVID-19 has hit state and local budgets hard, where would you reduce/eliminate spending to ensure pressing needs are answered?
The COVID-19 Pandemic has led our leaders to have to make difficult choices. I believe any decisions that are made need to be made through bi-partisan discussions with fairness and the public good being at the forefront of those decisions.
Recognizing that systemic racism is built into policies and laws, what changes to policies and laws are you prioritizing for change/implementation in order to address systemic racism and why?
As a minority woman holding elected office, I have always been guided in my decisions by keeping equality and justice in mind. We are at a moment in our country’s history when people from across all racial and ethnic backgrounds are coming together to demand change. We should utilize this momentum to continue to have open and honest discussions about policy changes we can make to improve the lives of all people.
What are the most overlooked issues from a policy perspective impacting women in your district?
It seems that causes championed by women’s organizations are constantly being politicized. As a State Representative, I fought to pass the Reproductive Healthcare Act to allow women to make their own personal healthcare decisions with their doctors. I will continue to fight for causes that advance and protect women’s rights.
What do you wish you had known before you decided to run for office?
Running for office allows me the opportunity to meet and help people from all backgrounds. I have forged lasting friendships with people I met while campaigning and will be forever thankful for these experiences. The one thing I wish I had known was how personal the attacks are from those that you may disagree with are. I pride myself on having open and honest discussions with individuals from all different sides and beliefs and will not allow the detractors to change that.
Closing Comments
As a lifelong resident of the district, I am passionate about improving my community and continuing to make it an even better place to live and work. I have worked tirelessly to help those in my community and hope to continue this work as the next State Senator in the 25th District.
If you would like to learn more about Karina Villa and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at karinavilla.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook at @Karinaforsenate. Reach out today and help make a difference in the upcoming 2020 election.
(The information contained in this post is provided only as general information and does not imply an endorsement by She Votes Illinois.)
