She Runs Illinois 2024! — Maria Peterson, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 52
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Maria Peterson who is running for IL House of Representatives, District 52. Follow our series, She Runs Illinois 2024!, leading up to election day as we showcase and uplift the voices of Illinois women running for public office in the upcoming election, November 5, 2024.
Tell us about yourself
I’m proud of my accomplishments, which are rooted in the strong foundation set by my immigrant parents. As a first-generation Mexican American, I watched my father work two jobs while attending school to become an electrical mechanical engineer, and my mother started her own dressmaking business. Inspired by their hard work, I pursued education at Loyola University of Chicago, earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Organizational Communications, which prepared me for law school at The John Marshall Law School
While at Loyola and law school, I mediated cases at the Chicago Justice Center and helped Latino community members who faced harassment and discrimination. After passing the Illinois Bar exam, I worked as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Labor, litigating workplace safety and health violations, and representing Black Lung victims.
As a mother of three sons, I became involved in local schools and advocacy. Moving to Lake County, I started a corrective exercise studio and worked with the local school district on voter outreach. In 2022, I ran for the State Senate, knocking on over 5,000 doors to hear residents’ concerns. Although I narrowly lost, I continued to actively support Democratic causes, lobby for gun-sense legislation, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through my work with the Barrington Rotary Club, Moms Demand Action, and more.
My commitment to the community is unwavering, and I remain dedicated to making a positive impact.
In my free time, I love staying active and connected to nature. Yoga helps me stay centered, while home gardening allows me to unwind and nurture my surroundings. Cooking is another passion of mine — I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and sharing meals with my husband Ken. Traveling and bicycling are two activities that keep my adventurous spirit alive, whether I’m exploring new places or simply enjoying a ride through my neighborhood. My rescue pets, Max the cat, and my dogs Chewie and Frankie, are a big part of my life, bringing joy and companionship to our home.
What are your top three legislative priorities you intend to focus on in office?
My top three legislative priorities will be:
- Protecting Reproductive Rights: With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights are under attack. I am committed to ensuring that women in Illinois, including those in District 52, have safe access to reproductive healthcare and legal protections against misleading practices by so-called “crisis pregnancy centers.”
- Advocating for Gun Safety: In the wake of tragic shootings, it’s crucial to pass common-sense gun legislation. I will work to ban assault weapons, restrict ghost guns, and strengthen the Red Flag Law to keep our communities safe and prevent gun violence.
- Environment and Climate Change: Addressing environmental issues and combating climate change are critical to ensuring a healthy future for our children and grandchildren. I will focus on legislation that promotes clean energy, protects our natural resources, and reduces our carbon footprint.
What motivated you to run for office?
I was motivated to run for office because I believe in putting Service before Politics, driven by Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance. My passion is to provide the best representation for all the residents of District 52, ensuring their voices are heard in Springfield. I want to be the advocate who addresses critical issues like food deserts, workers’ rights, and access to healthcare and education. After nearly winning my 2022 Senate race, I realized how much the community desires better representation. Growing up, I saw the impact of civic engagement, and now, as a mother and grandmother, I’m committed to ensuring future generations inherit a better world where their needs are prioritized over politics.
How do you plan to ensure that Illinois continues to lead in promoting policies that support women’s health and reproductive rights, particularly given national legislative trends?
I plan to ensure that Illinois continues to lead in promoting policies that support women’s health and reproductive rights by actively defending and expanding the protections we already have in place. With the national landscape becoming increasingly hostile towards reproductive rights,
it’s more important than ever for Illinois to be a safe haven for women seeking comprehensive healthcare.
One of my key focuses will be to uphold and build upon the legislation signed by Governor JB Pritzker that prohibits discrimination against people for their reproductive health decisions, including abortion, in vitro fertilization, and fertility treatment. This law is a crucial step in safeguarding the rights of women to make their own healthcare choices without fear of discrimination or retaliation.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade, I recognize the increased authority states now have to restrict abortion access. In response, I will work tirelessly to pass additional legislation that not only protects but also expands access to reproductive healthcare in Illinois. This includes ensuring that women have access to accurate medical information, supporting healthcare providers, and fighting against any attempts to roll back the rights we’ve fought so hard to secure. My goal is to make sure Illinois remains a leader in protecting women’s health and reproductive freedom.
What measures can Illinois implement to better protect women from intimate partner violence, considering high-profile cases involving the abuse and stalking of Black women like the attack on pregnant Laterria Smith and murder of her son, Jayden Perkins, by her ex-partner; and Dominique Ward’s struggles with her ex-partner’s cyberstalking?
To better protect women from intimate partner violence in Illinois, especially in the wake of tragic cases like those of Laterria Smith and Dominique Ward, it’s crucial that we implement stronger measures to safeguard victims. One key step is passing Karina’s Bill, a piece of legislation that I fully support.
Karina’s Bill is named in honor of Karina Gonzalez, who, along with her 15-year-old daughter, was tragically murdered by her husband despite having a restraining order against him. The bill mandates that law enforcement officers quickly confiscate firearms from individuals who are the subject of an order of protection, ensuring that they cannot harm their victims.
By passing this bill, we can close the dangerous loophole that allows abusers to retain access to firearms, even after their Firearm Owners ID card is confiscated. This legislation has bipartisan support, and it’s a critical step towards providing real, tangible protection for victims of domestic violence.
Beyond Karina’s Bill, we need to strengthen laws that address cyberstalking, enhance support services for victims, and ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately trained to respond swiftly and effectively to threats against women. We must prioritize the safety of all women, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to prevent these senseless tragedies from happening in our communities.
What steps will you take to enhance civic engagement and ensure that the voices of all constituents, including marginalized communities, are heard and represented in the legislative process in Illinois?
To enhance civic engagement and ensure that the voices of all constituents, including marginalized communities, are heard and represented in the legislative process in Illinois, I will take several key steps. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of my parents as they worked tirelessly to achieve the American Dream. This experience instilled in me a deep commitment to serving all communities, especially those who have been historically underrepresented.
First, I will actively engage with the diverse communities within District 52 by holding regular town halls and community forums across Libertyville, Mundelein, Wauconda, Lakemoor, Volo, Hoffman Estates, the Barrington area, Algonquin, and beyond. These events will provide a platform for constituents to share their concerns, ideas, and aspirations directly with me, ensuring their voices are not only heard but are integral to the legislative process.
Second, I will establish advisory councils composed of community leaders, advocates, and everyday residents from marginalized communities. These councils will meet regularly to discuss pressing issues and develop strategies to address them, ensuring that the needs of all constituents are reflected in the policies I support and the legislation I introduce.
Third, I will work to increase voter outreach and education efforts, particularly in communities that have historically low voter turnout. By collaborating with local organizations, schools, and civic groups, I aim to empower all residents to participate actively in our democracy and to feel confident that their vote and voice matter.
Lastly, my commitment to putting Service before Politics means I will always prioritize the well-being and representation of my constituents over any partisan agenda. Whether advocating for safe environments, educational and work opportunities, or fair and equitable laws, my goal is to make Illinois a place where everyone can truly live out the American Dream, just as my parents worked so hard to do.
Closing comments
My life has been shaped by the values of hard work and dedication, instilled in me by my immigrant parents. Their journey and my own experiences as a first-generation Mexican American have driven me to advocate for our community with passion and purpose.
My top priorities are to protect reproductive rights, advocate for gun safety, and address climate change. I am committed to ensuring that Illinois remains a leader in safeguarding women’s health and reproductive freedom. I will fight to uphold and expand our current protections, ensuring that women have access to safe and comprehensive healthcare.
In addressing intimate partner violence, I fully support passing Karina’s Bill, which would mandate the immediate confiscation of firearms from individuals with restraining orders. This legislation is crucial for preventing further tragedies and ensuring that victims receive the protection they need.
To enhance civic engagement and representation, I will actively engage with all communities in District 52 through town halls and forums, establish advisory councils for marginalized groups, and work on increasing voter outreach and education. My goal is to make sure that every voice is heard and valued in our legislative process.
I am dedicated to making a positive impact and moving our district and state forward. With your support, I will work tirelessly to create a better future for all residents of District 52, ensuring that we all have the opportunity to live healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives.
If you would like to learn more about Maria Peterson and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at mariafor52.com. Don’t forget to follow her on social media at @mariafor52. Reach out today and help make a difference in the upcoming 2024 election.
(The information contained in this post is provided only as general information and does not imply an endorsement by She Votes Illinois.)
