Delia Ramirez: Architect of Progressive Change
An in-depth exploration of Representative Delia Ramirez's legislative journey, advocacy, and impact on housing, healthcare, and social justice in Illinois and beyond.
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Introduction to a Trailblazer
A Voice in Congress
Delia Catalina Ramirez, born June 2, 1983, currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 3rd congressional district, a position she assumed in 2023.[1] As a Democrat, she is recognized as a member of the influential "Squad" in the U.S. Congress, advocating for progressive policies and social justice.[2]
Pioneering Representation
Before her election to the U.S. House, Representative Ramirez made history as the first Guatemalan American elected to the Illinois General Assembly, serving in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 4th district from 2018 to 2023.[2] Her legislative career has been marked by a strong commitment to community and equitable governance.
Representing Chicago's Heart
Her former 4th district in the Illinois House encompassed vibrant Chicago neighborhoods, including East Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Bucktown, West Town, Ukrainian Village, East Village, and Logan Square.[2][3] This deep connection to her community has consistently shaped her policy priorities and advocacy efforts.
Early Life and Foundational Advocacy
Roots in Humboldt Park
Delia Ramirez's upbringing was deeply influenced by her parents, who were undocumented immigrants from Guatemala. She was raised in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, an experience that profoundly shaped her understanding of community needs and social justice.[4][5]
Education and Justice Studies
Her academic journey began at Sabin Magnet Elementary School. She later pursued higher education at Northeastern Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in justice studies.[2][5][6][7] This academic background provided a strong theoretical framework for her subsequent advocacy work.
Community Leadership
Prior to her elected office, Ramirez dedicated her career to social service and non-profit advocacy. She held significant leadership roles, including serving as president of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (2005-2007), executive director of the Center for Changing Lives (2004-2013), which focused on homelessness, and president of the Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) from 2016 to 2019.[8][9] These roles underscored her commitment to addressing critical community issues.
Illinois House Tenure (2018-2022)
Entry into State Politics
In the 2018 Illinois House of Representatives election, Delia Ramirez successfully ran for the open 4th district seat. Her campaign focused on critical issues such as stable housing, quality schools, responsible government, and comprehensive public safety and justice reform.[8] She garnered significant support, including endorsements from prominent local elected officials, labor unions like the Chicago Teachers Union and Illinois AFL–CIO, and progressive organizations.[11][12] She won the Democratic primary with 48% of the vote and ran unopposed in the general election.[6]
Legislative Focus and Committees
Ramirez was sworn into office on December 21, 2018, filling a vacancy, and then into the 101st General Assembly on January 9, 2019.[13] She was an active member of the Illinois House of Representatives Progressive Caucus.[14] Her committee assignments included:
Impactful Policy Initiatives
During her tenure, Ramirez championed several key initiatives. She notably opposed Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's proposed real estate transfer tax plan, advocating for dedicated funds for homelessness and affordable housing.[16] She also chaired a task force addressing the welfare of children of incarcerated individuals.[17] During the COVID-19 pandemic, she pushed for rent and mortgage moratoriums and successfully advocated for a 90% increase in a relief fund for tenants and landlords.[18][19][20] A landmark achievement was leading the effort to provide Medicaid benefits to undocumented seniors, making Illinois the first state to do so.[21][22] She also played a crucial role in the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act, securing federal rent relief and eviction protections.[23][24][25]
U.S. House of Representatives (2023-Present)
Congressional Ascent
On December 7, 2021, Delia Ramirez announced her candidacy for the U.S. House in Illinois's 3rd congressional district, an open seat created by redistricting after the 2020 U.S. census.[26][27] She secured the Democratic nomination with 66% of the vote, defeating Gilbert Villegas and Iymen Chehade.[28][29] Given the district's strong Democratic lean, her victory in the general election against Republican Justin Burau in 2022, with 68.5% of the vote, was widely anticipated.[27][29][30] She was re-elected in 2024, defeating John Booras with 67.3% of the vote.[31]
Key Policy Stances
In Congress, Representative Ramirez has taken notable stances on foreign policy. In 2023, she was among 56 Democrats who voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which sought to direct President Joe Biden to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.[32][33] On the issue of Israel and Palestine, she voted against a resolution in July 2023 that affirmed U.S. support for Israel and rejected characterizations of Israel as a "racist or apartheid state." She stated her belief in honoring the "full humanity and rights of all Israeli and Palestinians."[34][35] In October 2023, she again voted against a bipartisan resolution supporting Israel following the 2023 Hamas attack.[36][37]
"Guatemalan First" Controversy
In August 2025, during a speech at the Progressive International Panamerican Congress in Mexico City, Ramirez made remarks in Spanish that sparked controversy. She stated, "Quiero decir algunas palabras en español por que yo soy Guatelmateca con mucho orgullio primero que soy Americana." While conservative publications translated this as "I'm a proud Guatemalan before I'm an American," leading to calls for her deportation and accusations of dual loyalty,[38][39] progressive commentators offered a more nuanced translation: "I am Guatemalan with a lot of pride, first of all because I am American." Ramirez clarified her position on X, stating, "Honoring my Guatemalan ancestry only strengthens my commitment to America."
Congressional Engagements
Committee Assignments
For the 119th Congress, Representative Ramirez holds key positions on significant committees, allowing her to influence policy across various domains.[40]
Personal Life and Faith
Family and Immigration Advocacy
In October 2020, Delia Ramirez married Boris Hernandez, a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.[46] Her personal connection to immigration issues, stemming from her parents' background and her husband's DACA status, deeply informs her advocacy for immigrant rights and comprehensive immigration reform.
Faith in Action
Representative Ramirez is notable as the first United Methodist Latina in Congress. She articulates her Christian faith not merely as a set of beliefs or Sunday observance, but as a guiding principle for her life and actions. She believes in demonstrating "the light of God through our actions," reflecting a commitment to social justice and service rooted in her spiritual convictions.[47]
Electoral Journey
Key Election Outcomes
Delia Ramirez's political career is marked by several successful electoral campaigns, demonstrating consistent support from her constituents. Her journey from the Illinois House to the U.S. Congress reflects a strong mandate for her progressive platform.
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