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Demi Palecek
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Demi Palecek (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Illinois House of Representatives to represent District 13. She declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on March 17, 2026.[source]
Palecek completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Demerike Palecek was born in Edwardsville, Illinois. Palecek has served in the U.S. Army National Guard since 2011. She earned a high school diploma from Edwardsville High School and a bachelor's degree from Columbia College, Chicago in 2020. Her career experience includes working as a communications consultant. As of 2025, Palecek was affiliated with 46th Ward Democrats.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Illinois House of Representatives elections, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on March 17, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary
Democratic primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 13
Adam Braun (D), Ridge Knapp (D), Sunjay Kumar (D), James O'Brien (D), and Demi Palecek (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 13 on March 17, 2026.
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 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary
Republican primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 13
Terry Le (R) is running in the Republican primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 13 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Terry Le | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Palecek received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
2023
See also: City elections in Chicago, Illinois (2023)
General election
General election for Chicago Police District Council District 19 (3 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Chicago Police District Council District 19 on February 28, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Jennifer Schaffer (Nonpartisan) | 23.8 | 29,278 |
| ✔ |  | Maurilio Garcia (Nonpartisan) | 18.9 | 23,229 |
| ✔ | Samuel Schoenburg (Nonpartisan) | 17.2 | 21,104 | |
| Dan Richman (Nonpartisan) | 16.0 | 19,711 | ||
 | Julienn Kaviar (Nonpartisan) | 12.1 | 14,857 | |
 | Demi Palecek (Nonpartisan) | 12.1 | 14,840 | |
| Total votes: 123,019 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Demi Palecek completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Palecek's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm Demi, and I'm running for State Rep because our district deserves someone who actually understands what working families are going through, because I've lived it. I grew up the daughter of an immigrant, watching my family navigate a system that wasn't built for people like us. I started working at 15, washing dishes and spending years in the service industry just to get by.
I serve in the Army National Guard (14 years) as an Equal Opportunity advocate, helping sexual assault survivors and fighting discrimination. After January 6th, I was activated to protect the US Capitol, and I became one of only 2 National Guard members to publicly challenge federal policies I believed were unconstitutional. That taught me that real leadership means standing up for what's right, even when it's hard. Today, I serve as President of the 46th Ward Democrats and I work in communications helping grassroots legislation and nonprofits fight for reproductive rights and progressive causes. I organize monthly mutual aid events, lead protests at ICE detention centers, and show up for my neighbors, not just during campaign season, but every single day.
I'm running a 100% grassroots campaign with zero corporate PAC money, because I answer to my neighbors, not special interests. I'm here to fight for affordable housing, immigrant rights, LGBTQIA+ protections, and the working-class families who've been left behind by career politicians.- I am a proud Latina queer woman with over 14 years of military service, dedicated to delivering progressive policy and tangible relief to working class people.
- I believe in fully funded and accessible transit, affordable housing that ensures people are not priced out of their neighborhoods, and working to close the gaps in medical care we are seeing with the increased number of hospital & medical closures in our area.
- Federal ICE raids across the country are on the rise, we need to ensure residents are safe, have their rights protected, and have accessible pathways to citizenship. We must provide due process to all people and stand against the use of the US Military on American soil.
Reproductive Healthcare Rights, Food Insecurity, Transit, Housing, Healthcare Access, LGBTQIA+ Rights, Senior Protections, Cannabis Rescheduling, Work Force Development, Small Business Relief
Dolly Parton. I love how she embraces pink, glitter, and her sparkly, unapologetic self while simultaneously using her creativity and platform to help countless people. She's proof that you don't have to dim your light or change who you are to make a real difference in people's lives. She's built an empire on her own terms, stayed true to her roots, and never forgotten where she came from or the people who need help the most.
Our elected officials should be accountable to the people and empathetic to the communities we serve. Courage matters. Because let’s be real: standing up to powerful interests or calling out injustice isn’t always popular. But it’s what the job requires if we’re serious about building a future where no one gets left behind.
First, you have a duty to listen. Second, you have a responsibility to legislate with integrity. Third, you’re there to deliver results back home. Finally, you must defend democracy itself.
I want to leave behind a world that's better than the one I inherited. My goal is to help as many people as I can while actually enjoying the work, because I believe fighting for justice and building community shouldn't feel like drudgery. I want people to remember that change doesn't have to come from somber, serious politicians in suits. It can come from someone who shows up with glitter, brings sandwiches, and genuinely loves the work of serving their neighbors. If I can prove that you can be authentically yourself, have fun, and still make a meaningful difference in people's lives, that's the legacy I'm after.
September 11th. I was being driven to school by my dad, who was from New York, and I remember seeing him cry. He wouldn't let me turn on the radio. When I arrived at school, our teachers wheeled in the big TV so we could all watch together, trying to make sense of what was happening to our country, I was so young at the time I had no idea what was happening.
Washing dishes at a small restaurant/bar by my house.
Wonder Woman. She's a warrior who fights for justice and peace, she's unapologetically powerful, and she leads with compassion instead of ego. She doesn't wait for permission to do what's right, and she uses her strength to protect people who can't protect themselves. Plus, she's got the whole tiara and bracelet thing going on, which I can absolutely respect. She proves that you can be both fierce and kind, that fighting for what's right doesn't mean abandoning your humanity and honestly, that's exactly the kind of leader I'm trying to be. She's from an island of all women which sounds magical and she can fly a plane.
Never really belonging anywhere. Growing up, I was "the Mexican" in predominantly white spaces. When I moved to Chicago, suddenly I became "güera". In the military, my progressive values sometimes made it hard to fit in with the culture. And in progressive spaces, being a veteran can feel like an asterisk next to my name, like I have to constantly prove I belong there too. I've spent most of my life existing in the in-between spaces, never quite fitting neatly into any one box. But that's also taught me to build bridges and fight for people who feel like outsiders in their own communities, because I know exactly what that feels like.
The ideal relationship isn’t about one side having power over the other. As we are supposed to see with our Federal system, the legislative body needs to be the checks and balances that people want on the executive. Honest dialogue and a shared commitment to making Illinois stronger and fairer for everyone.
Illinois’ most significant challenges are maintaining our state's strength in the face of an increasingly authoritarian federal government, reforming our broken transit systems, addressing our housing crisis, and delivering real pension reform that protects both workers and taxpayers. We do that, and Illinois can lead the way for the rest of the country.
I think it really depends on the kind of experience. Having served in government can help someone understand how Springfield works, and that knowledge can make it easier to hit the ground running.
But here’s the thing: too often, “experience in politics” means being tied up in the same systems that haven’t delivered for working families. Lived experience is just as necessary, if not more, because it keeps a leader grounded in the realities that everyday people face. The best legislators bring a mix
But here’s the thing: too often, “experience in politics” means being tied up in the same systems that haven’t delivered for working families. Lived experience is just as necessary, if not more, because it keeps a leader grounded in the realities that everyday people face. The best legislators bring a mix
Building relationships with other legislators isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. No one gets anything done in Springfield alone. Passing laws, securing funding, and protecting our communities all take collaboration. Strong relationships make it possible to find common ground, even with people who don’t always see eye to eye. That’s how you move a bill from an idea to the governor’s desk.
This is about building trust and respect. When legislators know you show up with integrity, they’re more likely to listen when you fight for your community. And when you’ve built that foundation, you can form coalitions that make real change possible.
This is about building trust and respect. When legislators know you show up with integrity, they’re more likely to listen when you fight for your community. And when you’ve built that foundation, you can form coalitions that make real change possible.
A legislator I admire is Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She came into office as a young woman of color who had been underestimated, yet she’s unapologetic in fighting for working families, climate justice, and equity. Like her, I know what it’s like to be told to stay quiet or that I don’t belong, and like her, I believe representation and courage can change what’s possible in politics. My goal is to bring that same progressive, people-powered approach to the State House, rooted in lived experience, grounded in community by working class people.
Not right now, I am focused on delivering change locally.
When I was out canvassing, I met a Latina senior woman who reminded me so much of my own family. I don’t speak Spanish, but thankfully a volunteer with me did, and we were able to have a real conversation. She had been in the U.S. for 65 years, yet she was still deeply worried about what this administration is doing to her family, her culture, and her community.
She showed me her home filled with religious protections she had set up to guard against the hate and division she feels around her. She told me she feared for her granddaughters and great-granddaughters, that after a lifetime of work, everything could be taken away simply because of who they are. Before I left, she said she would tell her granddaughters to vote for me, because they would be excited to see a Hispanic woman standing up to fight for them.
The legislature should always oversee emergency powers. Powers must be temporary, transparent, and accountable to the people’s representatives. Illinois can’t let emergency authority turn into a blank check for the executive.
The first bill I would introduce is the RIFL Act, Responsible Investment in Firearm Licensing and Enforcement. This legislation would hold gun manufacturers accountable by requiring them to contribute to the costs of addressing the violence caused by their products. Just like we’ve asked the tobacco industry to take responsibility for public health harms, we should expect the firearms industry to play a role in funding community safety, trauma recovery, and violence prevention programs.
Gun violence is devastating families across Illinois, including in our district. The RIFL Act is about fairness and responsibility, putting people before profits and ensuring that the burden of gun violence doesn’t fall solely on taxpayers and survivors.
Gun violence is devastating families across Illinois, including in our district. The RIFL Act is about fairness and responsibility, putting people before profits and ensuring that the burden of gun violence doesn’t fall solely on taxpayers and survivors.
Leaders We Deserve, David Hogg, Stephanie Skora, Girl, I guess Voter Guide, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Carbondale City Council member Clare Killman, Chicago City Clerk Anna M. Valencia, State Rep Barbara Hernandez, State Rep Stephanie Kifowit, 1st Ward Committee person Laura Yepez, 46th Ward Committeeman Sean Tenner, New Trier Township Supervisor Gail Schnitzer, Elgin County Board- Anthony Ortiz, Lake County Board Sara Knizhnik, 7th District Councilor Dion McGill, 17th District Councilor Anthony Tamez, Vote Vets, Women for Liberty and Justice for All, Veterans for Change, Latino Leadership Council, Latino Victory Fund, Her Bold Move, Run for Something, Greater Chicagoland Black Chamber of Commerce, Cook County Latino Dems, NDFA
I support keeping the ballot initiative process accessible, transparent, and truly reflective of the will of the people. Too often, special interests with deep pockets are able to dominate the process, while grassroots organizations struggle to have their voices heard. I would oppose any changes that restrict access or make it harder for everyday Illinoisans to put issues on the ballot.
Instead, I would consider reforms that increase equity in the process, such as lowering barriers for community-driven initiatives, improving translation and accessibility so all communities can engage, and ensuring that signature collection rules don’t unfairly disadvantage grassroots campaigns. Democracy works best when people have a direct say in shaping policy, and I would fight to strengthen, not weaken, that power.
Instead, I would consider reforms that increase equity in the process, such as lowering barriers for community-driven initiatives, improving translation and accessibility so all communities can engage, and ensuring that signature collection rules don’t unfairly disadvantage grassroots campaigns. Democracy works best when people have a direct say in shaping policy, and I would fight to strengthen, not weaken, that power.
I was selected as the only American for Escuela Politica Fratelli Tutti, a leadership program under Pope Francis in Italy and France, focused on migration and social justice. I spent that time studying immigrant rights and working directly with children who had experienced trauma, helping provide housing, food, and support to families navigating impossible circumstances.
That experience fundamentally changed how I see policy and politics. Pope Francis taught us that politics should be done with your heart, your hands, and your head and that became the foundation of everything I do. It's not about speeches or photo ops, it's about showing up, doing the work, and treating every person with the dignity they deserve. When I came home, I brought those lessons with me. That's why I organize at ICE detention centers, why I run monthly mutual aid events, and why I'll never stop fighting for immigrant families in our district. Because I've seen firsthand what's possible when we lead with compassion instead of cruelty, and I know we can do so much better than we are right now.
That experience fundamentally changed how I see policy and politics. Pope Francis taught us that politics should be done with your heart, your hands, and your head and that became the foundation of everything I do. It's not about speeches or photo ops, it's about showing up, doing the work, and treating every person with the dignity they deserve. When I came home, I brought those lessons with me. That's why I organize at ICE detention centers, why I run monthly mutual aid events, and why I'll never stop fighting for immigrant families in our district. Because I've seen firsthand what's possible when we lead with compassion instead of cruelty, and I know we can do so much better than we are right now.
I want to ensure that the federal overreach into collecting sensitive voter data needs to be stopped. State monitors and handles how elections are held, and that shouldn't change just because a different political party has power.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2023
Demi Palecek did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 17, 2025
Current members of the Illinois House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Emanuel Welch
Majority Leader:Robyn Gabel
Minority Leader:Tony McCombie
Representatives
District 1
Aaron Ortiz (D)
District 2
District 3
Eva-Dina Delgado (D)
District 4
Lilian Jiménez (D)
District 5
District 6
Sonya Harper (D)
District 7
Emanuel Welch (D)
District 8
La Shawn Ford (D)
District 9
Yolonda Morris (D)
District 10
District 11
Ann Williams (D)
District 12
Margaret Croke (D)
District 13
Hoan Huynh (D)
District 14
Kelly Cassidy (D)
District 15
Michael Kelly (D)
District 16
Kevin Olickal (D)
District 17
District 18
Robyn Gabel (D)
District 19
Lindsey LaPointe (D)
District 20
Brad Stephens (R)
District 21
District 22
District 23
Edgar Gonzalez (D)
District 24
Theresa Mah (D)
District 25
Curtis Tarver (D)
District 26
Kambium Buckner (D)
District 27
Justin Slaughter (D)
District 28
Robert Rita (D)
District 29
Thaddeus Jones (D)
District 30
William Davis (D)
District 31
Michael Crawford (D)
District 32
Lisa Davis (D)
District 33
Marcus Evans (D)
District 34
Nicholas Smith (D)
District 35
Mary Gill (D)
District 36
Rick Ryan (D)
District 37
Patrick Sheehan (R)
District 38
District 39
Will Guzzardi (D)
District 40
Jaime Andrade (D)
District 41
Janet Yang Rohr (D)
District 42
District 43
Anna Moeller (D)
District 44
Fred Crespo (D)
District 45
Martha Deuter (D)
District 46
District 47
Amy Grant (R)
District 48
District 49
Maura Hirschauer (D)
District 50
District 51
Nabeela Syed (D)
District 52
District 53
Nicolle Grasse (D)
District 54
Mary Beth Canty (D)
District 55
Vacant
District 56
Michelle Mussman (D)
District 57
Tracy Katz Muhl (D)
District 58
Bob Morgan (D)
District 59
Daniel Didech (D)
District 60
Rita Mayfield (D)
District 61
Joyce Mason (D)
District 62
Laura Dias (D)
District 63
Steven Reick (R)
District 64
Tom Weber (R)
District 65
Dan Ugaste (R)
District 66
Suzanne Ness (D)
District 67
Maurice West (D)
District 68
Dave Vella (D)
District 69
Joe Sosnowski (R)
District 70
Jeff Keicher (R)
District 71
Daniel Swanson (R)
District 72
Gregg Johnson (D)
District 73
Ryan Spain (R)
District 74
Brad Fritts (R)
District 75
Jed Davis (R)
District 76
Amy Briel (D)
District 77
Norma Hernandez (D)
District 78
Camille Lilly (D)
District 79
Jackie Haas (R)
District 80
Anthony DeLuca (D)
District 81
Anne Stava (D)
District 82
Nicole La Ha (R)
District 83
Matt Hanson (D)
District 84
District 85
Dagmara Avelar (D)
District 86
Lawrence Walsh (D)
District 87
Bill Hauter (R)
District 88
Regan Deering (R)
District 89
Tony McCombie (R)
District 90
John Cabello (R)
District 91
Sharon Chung (D)
District 92
District 93
Travis Weaver (R)
District 94
Norine Hammond (R)
District 95
Mike Coffey (R)
District 96
Sue Scherer (D)
District 97
Harry Benton (D)
District 98
Natalie Manley (D)
District 99
Kyle Moore (R)
District 100
C.D. Davidsmeyer (R)
District 101
Chris Miller (R)
District 102
Adam Niemerg (R)
District 103
Carol Ammons (D)
District 104
District 105
Dennis Tipsword (R)
District 106
Jason Bunting (R)
District 107
Brad Halbrook (R)
District 108
Wayne Rosenthal (R)
District 109
Charles Meier (R)
District 110
Blaine Wilhour (R)
District 111
Amy Elik (R)
District 112
Katie Stuart (D)
District 113
Jay Hoffman (D)
District 114
Kevin Schmidt (R)
District 115
David Friess (R)
District 116
Dave Severin (R)
District 117
District 118
Paul Jacobs (R)
Democratic Party (77)
Republican Party (40)
Vacancies (1)
