Maria Peterson
for State Representative
Maria Peterson
for State Representative
Change that starts at your door
Change that starts at your door
Why Maria Peterson is Running
Maria Peterson is running for Illinois House of Representatives District 52 because she’s tired of watching working families across the district struggle with impossible choices. She’s tired of seeing young teachers, nurses, and firefighters unable to afford homes in the communities they serve. And she’s done with politicians who talk about “kitchen table issues” but have never actually sat at those kitchen tables, trying to make the numbers work.
District 52 deserves better.
Here's what Maria is focused on – and why it matters right now:
1. Lowering Costs for Working Families – Because Families Shouldn’t Have to Choose
2. Protecting Our Environment – Because Clean Water and Breathable Air Isn’t Negotiable
3. Community Safety and Mental Health – Because Prevention Works
Why Maria, Why Now
When Maria Peterson sees a problem, she doesn’t wait for someone else to fix it. She’s the neighbor who expanded her home garden to grow additional vegetables to donate to the Wauconda-Island Lake food pantry for families who have to choose whether to pay for groceries or rent, who has opened her home to many rescue pets over the years because she believes in giving animals second chances, and who stepped up to serve on the Lake County Zoning Board because she knew development decisions needed someone fighting for residents and the environment.. That’s exactly the kind of problem-solving leadership District 52 needs in Springfield.
She’s been your neighbor for years, not just during election season. Maria’s commitment to authentic representation has driven her electoral journey across multiple cycles. After her strong 2022 State Senate run where she came within 385 votes of defeating the NRA-sponsored Republican Party Minority Leader (and was so effective that he lost his leadership position before votes were fully counted), Maria focused on the Illinois House District 52 race in 2024. Over 18 months, she knocked on more than 10,000 doors, listening to residents’ concerns about crushing tax burdens and the rising costs of raising a family. Her deep connection with voters nearly paid off – she lost to Martin McLaughlin by just 47 votes out of nearly 60,000 cast, demonstrating that District 52 is ready for change and Maria is the candidate who can deliver it.
District 52 families work hard, pay their taxes, and deserve someone who understands that every vote in Springfield affects real people dealing with real problems. Maria isn’t running to build a political career – she’s running because her neighbors are struggling, and she knows how to help.
As a mother of three grown sons and grandmother of two, Maria votes thinking about the future they’ll inherit. She’s running to make sure District 52 families can afford to stay in their homes, breathe clean air, send their children to safe schools, and build the secure future they’ve worked so hard to achieve.
About
Maria Peterson
Maria Peterson is a former attorney and community leader who has dedicated her career to advocating for working families, from representing workers in federal safety cases to serving on numerous local boards including the Citizens Utility Board and Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals. After raising three sons while maintaining deep community involvement, she has built strong connections throughout the district through extensive grassroots outreach and her unwavering commitment to authentic representation.
take action
Our democracy works best when we all show up. Make sure you’re registered to vote so your voice is heard in every election. Want to do even more? Join Team Maria as a volunteer—we need people like you to knock doors, make calls, and spread the word. And if you’re able, consider making a contribution to fuel this people-powered campaign. Every action counts, and together, we can make real change happen.