Delia Ramirez

Delia C. Ramirez is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 3rd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held this position since her election in 2022. Prior to her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Ramirez was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, where she focused on issues such as housing, education, and social justice. Her background as the daughter of undocumented immigrants has informed her advocacy and legislative priorities throughout her political career.

Early life and career

Delia C. Ramirez was born on June 2, 1983, to undocumented immigrant parents from Guatemala. She grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, a community known for its rich cultural diversity. Ramirez attended Sabin Magnet Elementary School and later graduated from St. Gregory High School in Chicago. She pursued higher education at Northeastern Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in justice studies.

Before entering the political arena, Ramirez dedicated herself to community service and advocacy. She held various leadership roles in social service agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on social justice and community development. Notably, she served as the president of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association from 2005 to 2007 and as the executive director of the Center for Changing Lives, a nonprofit focused on homelessness, from 2004 to 2013. Additionally, she was the president of the Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) from 2016 to 2019. These roles allowed her to engage deeply with issues affecting her community, including housing stability and social equity.

In 2018, Ramirez decided to run for public office, seeking to represent Illinois's 4th congressional district in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her campaign focused on key issues such as stable housing, education reform, and public safety. She was part of a slate of Latino candidates supported by prominent local figures, including then-Cook County Commissioner Chuy García. Ramirez won the Democratic primary election with a significant portion of the vote and subsequently ran unopposed in the general election, marking her entry into elected office.

House tenure

Delia Ramirez was sworn into the Illinois House of Representatives on December 21, 2018, after being appointed to fill the vacancy left by retiring incumbent Cynthia Soto. She served in the Illinois House until 2023, during which time she was an active member of the Progressive Caucus. Her legislative efforts were characterized by a focus on social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.

Throughout her time in the Illinois House, Ramirez was involved in various legislative initiatives. In October 2019, she joined a coalition of Democratic state legislators who opposed a proposed real estate transfer tax plan by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. They advocated for a portion of the tax revenue to be allocated specifically for addressing homelessness and affordable housing. In early 2020, she chaired a task force aimed at improving conditions for children of incarcerated individuals, highlighting her commitment to social justice.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramirez sponsored legislation aimed at providing relief to tenants and homeowners. Although her proposal for a temporary moratorium on rent and mortgage payments faced significant opposition and was ultimately defeated, she successfully advocated for an increase in funding for a relief program for tenants and landlords in the 2021 budget. Additionally, she played a crucial role in securing Medicaid benefits for undocumented seniors in Illinois, making the state a pioneer in providing such coverage regardless of immigration status.

In the 2021–2022 legislative session, Ramirez was appointed vice-chair of the newly established Housing Committee in the Illinois House. She introduced legislation to address housing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, which culminated in the passage of the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act. This law included provisions for administering federal funds for rent relief, sealing eviction records, and extending eviction moratoriums.

In December 2021, Ramirez announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Illinois's 3rd congressional district, which had become an open seat due to redistricting. She won the Democratic primary with a substantial majority of the vote and subsequently defeated her Republican opponent in the general election held in November 2022.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office in the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2023, Delia Ramirez has continued to prioritize issues related to housing, education, and social justice. Her background in community advocacy informs her legislative agenda as she seeks to address the needs of her constituents in Illinois's 3rd congressional district.

In her role as a U.S. Representative, Ramirez has been involved in various committees that align with her legislative interests. While specific committee assignments for her current term have not been detailed, her previous experience in the Illinois House suggests a focus on committees related to housing, education, and social welfare. Her advocacy for marginalized communities and her commitment to social justice remain central to her work in Congress.

As a member of the Democratic Party, Ramirez is part of a larger coalition that seeks to advance progressive policies at the federal level. Her experiences as a community leader and her understanding of the challenges faced by her constituents position her as a representative committed to enacting meaningful change. With her current term set to end on January 3, 2027, Ramirez continues to engage with legislative issues that reflect her dedication to public service and advocacy for her community.