Theresa Mah

Theresa Mah is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, currently serving the 24th district. She has been in office since 2023, having previously represented the 2nd district from 2017 until redistricting. Mah is notable for being the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly and has taken on leadership roles within the legislature, including serving as a co-chair of the Illinois House's Progressive Caucus.

Early life and career

Theresa Mah was born in Chinatown, San Francisco, California. Her upbringing in a culturally rich environment, coupled with her family's history, significantly influenced her academic pursuits and career path. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1991. Mah continued her studies at the University of Chicago, obtaining a Ph.D. in history in 1999. Her doctoral dissertation, titled "Buying into the Middle Class: Residential Segregation and Racial Formation in the United States, 1920–1964," reflects her deep interest in the historical experiences of Asian Americans and issues of racial formation in the United States.

Following her academic achievements, Mah began her professional career as an assistant professor at Bowling Green State University, where she taught for six years. In 2006, she returned to Chicago, where she shifted her focus to community advocacy. Mah worked with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, where she engaged in efforts to support immigrant communities. Her commitment to advocacy continued with her role at the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, where she played a vital role in ensuring that the Chinese American population on Chicago's South Side was represented in a single electoral district during the redistricting process. Additionally, she served as an advisor to then-Governor Pat Quinn, further solidifying her involvement in public service and community issues.

Legislative service

Theresa Mah entered the political arena in 2016 when she ran as a Democrat for the Illinois House of Representatives' 2nd district seat, which became available due to the retirement of incumbent Edward Acevedo. In the Democratic primary, she successfully defeated Alex Acevedo, the incumbent's son, securing her position with a majority of the votes. Following her primary victory, Mah ran unopposed in the general election, marking the beginning of her legislative career. She was re-elected in subsequent elections in 2018 and 2020, demonstrating her continued support within her constituency. In 2022, after redistricting, Mah was re-elected to represent the newly drawn 24th district.

During her tenure as a state representative, Mah has been an active advocate for various social issues, particularly focusing on immigrant rights. She has sponsored numerous bills aimed at protecting the rights of immigrants and has been a prominent figure at pro-immigrant rallies. Among the legislation she has led includes measures to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in assisted or shared living facilities and to safeguard immigrants from discriminatory practices by landlords. Her commitment to progressive values is evident in her co-founding of a progressive caucus within the Illinois House of Representatives in 2019, which aims to promote policies that align with progressive ideals.

Mah's legislative responsibilities also encompass her participation in various committees. As of July 2022, she is a member of several committees, including the Appropriations – Elementary & Secondary Education Committee, the Health Care Licenses Committee, and the Immigration & Human Rights Committee, among others. These roles allow her to influence a wide range of policy areas, from education to health care and immigration.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of the 24th district, Mah's policy focus reflects the diverse needs of her constituents. Her advocacy for immigrant rights is particularly significant in a district that includes a substantial immigrant population. Mah's legislative initiatives aim to address the challenges faced by these communities, ensuring they have access to fair treatment and opportunities. Her work in the Illinois House has also included efforts to promote equity and inclusion across various sectors, aligning with her background in history and social justice.

In addition to her legislative duties, Mah has been involved in broader political activities. After her election victory in 2018, she was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to his Transition Committee for Equality, Equity, and Opportunity, highlighting her commitment to promoting equity in governance. Mah has also supported various mayoral candidates, including Miguel del Valle and Jesús "Chuy" García, and has been vocal in her criticisms of candidates she deems unfit for office, as seen in her remarks regarding Paul Vallas during the 2023 mayoral election.

In the 2024 Democratic primary, Mah successfully defeated incumbent Committeeman George Cárdenas, securing her position as Committeewoman of Chicago's 12th ward. This victory further establishes her influence within local politics and her ongoing commitment to serving her community.

Overall, Theresa Mah's career reflects a dedication to public service, advocacy for marginalized communities, and a commitment to progressive values. Her journey from academia to the Illinois General Assembly underscores her deep-rooted interest in social justice and her desire to effect change within her district and beyond. As she continues her legislative work, Mah remains a significant figure in Illinois politics, representing the interests of her constituents and advocating for policies that promote equity and inclusion.