She Runs Illinois 2022! — Barbara Hernandez, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 50
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Barbara Hernandez, incumbent, running for IL House of Representatives, District 50. Follow our series, She Runs Illinois 2022!, leading up to election day as we showcase and uplift the voices of Illinois women running for public office in the upcoming election, November 8, 2022.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Aurora, IL. Growing up I was involved in registering people to vote, volunteered in different community events, and eventually ran for Aurora Township trustee, (lost by 10 votes) then ran and won for Kane county board in 2016. I’m very passionate about 1st generation advocacy, immigration, family health, and access to higher education.
What are the priorities that you intend to focus on in office?
I have realized that family health is one of my main focuses. Making sure menstrual hygiene products are accessible, that minority mothers have the proper resources needed to have a healthy full-length pregnancy, and that higher education is easier to understand and more accessible.
What do you wish more people understood about holding office?
That it is a full-time job, and at times individuals forget that we are human as well. We need a break at times so we aren’t burnt out or have health issues. It is a sacrifice to your personal life especially if you are young and trying to establish a family.
The crisis of domestic violence is closely linked to the widespread and growing use of guns by abusers. What solutions do you advocate to reduce gender-based gun violence in Illinois?
I believe it should be easier for individuals to file an order of protection, as many individuals that I talked to have told me it’s not easy or they believe at times officers are not taking it as seriously. Of course, we should not allow individuals to have guns who have a mental health issue or have violent tendencies.
How can the ILGA help protect Black trans women from the hate that puts their safety at risk?
I believe we should educate individuals and the sex ed bill would hopefully help educate. Put more protections for victims of hate crimes.
In a post-Roe world, what can be done to stop the harmful practices of crisis pregnancy centers (AKA “pregnancy resource centers”) in Illinois so that their tactics are not able to result in forced births for those seeking an abortion?
Definitely support the bill that I was a sponsor of to prevent pregnancy resource centers from spreading false information and using scare tactics to change young women’s minds against abortion.
Closing comments
I hope my constituents will vote for me because I continue to stay committed to my district. I will continue to sponsor and support bills that will help families and expand services to those who need them.
If you would like to learn more about Barbara Hernandez and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at friendsofbarbarahernandez.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Reach out today and help make a difference in the upcoming 2022 election.
(The information contained in this post is provided only as general information and does not imply an endorsement by She Votes Illinois.)
