Rep. Barbara Hernandez
Rep. Barbara Hernandez
Aurora native Barbara Hernandez has been formally sworn in to replace her mentor, Linda Chapa LaVia, as Illinois State Rep. in the 83rd District.
Hernandez, a 26-year-old former Kane County Board member in District 8, got her start in politics by interning in Chapa LaVia’s office.
"I never imagined a daughter of first-generation immigrants could have made it this far," Hernandez wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of her taking the oath of office.
Since those early days under Chapa LaVia's tutelage, Hernandez has served as a precinct committeewoman and as a member of civic commissions in Aurora Township and the City of Aurora.
After serving in the House since 2003 and rising to the post of assistant majority leader, Chapa LaVia stepped down from office after being nominated by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to serve as director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. The 52-year-old retired Army veteran also once served as chairwoman of the House's Veterans Affairs Committee.
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