Arlington Heights Trustee Declares Candidacy For IL State Senate

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Carina H. Santa Maria, who was elected an Arlington Heights Village Board trustee in April, has declared her candidacy for the Illinois State Senate in next year's election. The 40-year-old is also the chief executive officer of Shelter Youth & Family Services in Arlington Heights.

"This decision comes from a place of deep commitment and service," Santa Maria shared with Patch Wednesday. "Throughout my career, I've stepped up where I'm needed most — whether that’s leading a nonprofit or holding public office. As a State Senator, I hope to bring the same compassion, creativity, and accountability to Springfield that I've brought to my work at Shelter."

On Tuesday, current Illinois State Senator Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) for the 27th District announced he will not seek re-election following the conclusion of his current term. Last year, Walker was appointed to the seat representing the 27th District, filling a vacancy left by former Sen. Ann Gillespie, and then was elected for a two-year term last November.

RELATED: Walker Won't Seek Re-Election In IL Senate

Shelter Youth & Family Services tells Patch Santa Maria will continue to serve as CEO through at least the next year.

"We are incredibly proud of Carina's decision to run," Shelter Board President Lindsay Tintera said on behalf of the board. "Her leadership has been nothing short of transformational. While we will miss her, we are confident that her voice in Springfield will be a powerful force for positive change."

Santa Maria, a resident of Arlington Height since 2014, was the second-highest vote getter in April's consolidated municipal election. She was one of eight candidates vying for four open seats on the Arlington Heights Village Board. Santa Maria is a licensed clinical social worker.

"I stand apart from other candidates because of my leadership, experience, and deep community commitment," Santa Maria said in a Patch candidate questionnaire prior to the election. "As a nonprofit CEO, I’ve grown Shelter, Inc. from $1.8 million to $6.7 million, demonstrating my ability to expand resources and balance budgets."

RELATED: Incumbent, 3 Newcomers Projected To Win Arlington Heights Seats

The state senate seat for the 27th District represents a portion of the Northwest suburbs, including Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights and Rolling Meadows.