Demi Palecek

Demi Palecek is a proud queer Latina military veteran, community leader, and communications professional running for Illinois House District 13. She grew up in southern Illinois in a low-income, working-class household shaped by immigration and mental health challenges. She joined the military at 19 as a pathway out of poverty and served in both the U.S. Air Force Security Forces and the Army National Guard. As a member of the Illinois National Guard, she protected the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the January 6th insurrection. She currently serves as Communications Manager for State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, President of the 46th Ward Democrats, and Executive Vice President of the Young Democrats of Chicago.

Born in Edwardsville, Illinois to a Mexican immigrant mother who struggled with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and a Vietnam War veteran father who dealt with PTSD, alcoholism, and cancer after losing his job and union protections as a supervisor. Started working at age 14-15 washing dishes and spending years in the service industry to support her family. Applied for Parole in Place program for family members but application has stalled.