Serving
Not up for re-election until 2028. As the newly elected NHCSL President, Castro is one of the most influential Latina state legislators nationally. Her leadership elevates Illinois' Latino political pipeline.
Won 2024 general election unopposed. Term ends January 2029. Previously won 2016 with 64.43%, then ran unopposed in 2020 and 2022.
Cristina Castro represents Illinois' 22nd Senate District, spanning 11 communities across Cook and Kane counties. A second-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Elgin, she was the first Latina elected to the Illinois State Senate from a suburban district. Her parents quit school young to work factory jobs after moving to Elgin, instilling in her a work ethic that has defined her career. She is the Majority Caucus Whip, Chair of the Senate Executive Committee, and was elected President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators in December 2025.
Second-generation Mexican-American. Parents both quit school young to work and contribute to their families, then worked factory jobs after moving to Elgin. First in her family to earn a bachelor's and MBA. Married to Joe McKeown, resides in east Elgin.
Marketing and communications management in public and private sectors; Kane County Board member (2008-2016), chaired Judicial and Public Safety Committee; Board member, Illinois Housing Development Authority; Board member, Black History Family Festival; Board member, Centro de Informacion
Associate degree, Elgin Community College; B.S. Marketing, Northern Illinois University (2001); M.B.A. Marketing, Northern Illinois University (2009)