She Runs Illinois 2024! — Mary Edly-Allen, candidate for Illinois Senate, District 31
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Mary Edly-Allen, incumbent, running for Illinois Senate, District 31. 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 am a single mother of four adult sons, a life-long educator, and community leader. I have lived and worked in our community for over two decades and I have a long history of serving in District 31. In addition to serving as a State Senator, I am also the president of Lake County Democratic Women (LCDW) and co-chair of Conference of Women Legislators (COWL).I also have a second part-time job as Assistant Director of Adult Education at Mundelein High School where we provide free English classes for adult immigrants. I am passionate about giving voice to those who typically are not represented in Springfield such as our unhoused neighbors, our immigrant families, and those who struggle with mental health or substance use issues.
What are your top three legislative priorities you intend to focus on in office?
Advocating for working families by fighting for a middle class, combating corruption in politics and working to pass stronger ethics laws, and standing up for women’s rights including reproductive freedom.
What standards or criteria do you use to determine effective legislation, and how do you incorporate constituent input in the policymaking process?
The mission of my office is to “listen to the voices of the 31st district”. We prioritize legislation that helps elevate the voice of those who typically do not have a lobbyist or representation such as our unhoused neighbors or those struggling with addiction.
How are you prioritizing improving maternal healthcare outcomes and addressing disparities in maternal mortality rates among women in Illinois?
I am very committed to improving maternal healthcare in Illinois. In the latest session of the Illinois General Assembly, I introduced a new law, HB 5431, which offers comprehensive protections for incarcerated pregnant individuals. I am continually looking for ways to support new mothers through programs that educate, uplift, and provide necessary support.
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?
We can start by educating judges on domestic violence and abuse and what it looks like. Many times the victim is not heard or believed. Even when there are pages of documentation of repeated abuse, the claims go unanswered. This must change.
How will you ensure that Illinois continues to lead in promoting women’s health and reproductive rights, especially in the face of potentially restrictive federal policies on abortion and birth control?
I have a proven track record of advocating for women’s rights, particularly regarding their healthcare. I am committed to standing up against any efforts to undermine women’s reproductive freedoms or restrict their access to healthcare.
Closing comments
I believe someone should vote for me because of my track record of collaborating with legislators across the aisle demonstrating my bipartisanship as both a State Representative and State Senator. I stood up to my party leaders even though it cost me funding (and ultimate loss) of my reelection in 2020. I am running for re-election to the state senate because I believe I possess the experience and work ethic that is sorely needed in Springfield. I want to build a better future for all of us by continuing to stand up for our working families, fight for women’s healthcare rights, support safer communities through common-sense gun legislation, and protect our environment. We NEED more women in positions of power.
If you would like to learn more about Mary Edly-Allen and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at maryforil31.com. Don’t forget to follow her on social media at @maryforil. 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.)
