About Maria
Maria Peterson’s story is one of determination, authentic community leadership, and unwavering commitment to the families of District 52. As a first-generation Mexican American, Maria witnessed firsthand how her immigrant parents transformed their American Dream into reality through hard work and perseverance. Her father worked two jobs while attending school to become an electrical mechanical engineer, while her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to open her own successful business specializing in design and dressmaking.
Following their example of excellence and service, Maria earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Organizational Communications from Loyola University of Chicago before attending The John Marshall Law School. Her legal career began with mediating cases at the Chicago Justice Center, where she quickly became a trusted advocate for Latino families facing discrimination from local business owners. Even while in law school, Maria fearlessly wrote letters demanding accountability and seeking compensation for those who had been wronged.
After passing the Illinois Bar exam, Maria served as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Labor, where she courageously litigated workplace safety and health violations, including cases involving workplace deaths. She represented Black Lung victims who were being denied benefits by the coal mining companies they had dedicated their lives to serving. This work exemplified Maria’s lifelong commitment to standing up for working families against powerful interests.
Maria and her husband Ken raised three sons while maintaining deep community involvement. When their second son was born profoundly deaf, Maria advocated tirelessly within the Chicago Public School system, eventually becoming the highest vote-getter as a Parent Representative in the first Local Council elections in 1990 for Sayre Language Academy. She ensured her son received the best education possible at Alexander Graham Bell School, where he learned cued speech and American Sign Language.
During this same period in the early 1990s, Maria served as a Board member for the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), traveling throughout the district to educate residents on how to read their utility bills and emphasizing the importance of learning about candidates running for office, since elected officials directly impact utility costs. Even then, Maria understood that effective representation means helping people navigate systems that affect their daily lives.
After moving to Lake County, Maria continued her pattern of community service and professional growth. She attended Harper College to launch a new career and opened a successful corrective exercise studio. Her civic engagement expanded as she worked with local school districts on voter outreach initiatives, served on multiple boards, and volunteered tirelessly for causes including women’s rights and environmental protection.
Maria’s commitment to authentic representation has driven her electoral journey. After a 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.
Rather than stepping back after her narrow loss, Maria doubled down on her community work. She was appointed State Elections Lead for Moms Demand Action, where she ensured candidates seeking endorsements completed questionnaires supporting gun-sense legislation. She successfully lobbied for the Protect Illinois Communities Act and continues advocating for additional smart gun-sense laws. Maria also proudly served as Chair of the DEI Committee with the Barrington Rotary Club and has recently been chosen for the WINGS leadership council and has also joined the Illinois Stewardship Alliance board.
Maria’s authenticity shines through in everything she does – the same person volunteering at the annual plant sale for Citizens for Conservation is the same Maria Peterson serving as Vice Chair for the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals, rescuing dogs and cats from local shelters, and fighting for working families in Springfield.
