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Delia Ramirez

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Delia Ramirez
Official portrait, 2023
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 3rd district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2023
Preceded byMarie Newman (redistricting)
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 4th district
In office
December 21, 2018 – December 14, 2022
Preceded byCynthia Soto
Succeeded byLilian Jiménez
Personal details
Born (1983-06-02) June 2, 1983 (age 41)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseBoris Hernandez
EducationNortheastern Illinois University (BA)
WebsiteHouse website
Delia Ramirez's voice
Delia Ramirez speaks on G.I. benefits
Recorded March 24, 2023

Delia Catalina Ramirez (born June 2, 1983)[1][2] is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative from Illinois's 3rd congressional district since 2023. Ramirez is a member of the Democratic Party.

Before she was elected to the US House of Representatives, Ramirez served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 4th district from 2018 to 2023. The 4th district includes the Chicago neighborhoods of East Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Bucktown, West Town, Ukrainian Village, East Village, and Logan Square.[2][3] Ramirez was elected to the House in 2018 and reelected in 2020. She was the first Guatemalan American elected to the Illinois General Assembly.[2]

In 2022, Ramirez was elected to the United States House of Representatives in Illinois's 3rd congressional district. After being sworn in in 2023, she became the first Latina to represent Illinois in Congress.

Early life and education

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The daughter of immigrants from Guatemala, Ramirez was raised in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood.[4] She graduated from Sabin Magnet Elementary School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in justice studies from Northeastern Illinois University.[2][4][5][6]

Early political and advocacy career

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Before entering elected office, Ramirez worked and held leadership roles in social service agencies, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and local community organizations. Notably, she was president of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association from 2005 to 2007, executive director of the homelessness-focused nonprofit Center for Changing Lives from 2004 to 2013, and president of the Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) from 2016 to 2019.[7][8]

In the 2018 Illinois House of Representatives election, she ran for the open 4th district seat to succeed incumbent Cynthia Soto.[2][9] Her primary issues of concern included stable housing and stable schools, reliable and responsible government, and public safety and justice reform.[7] She was part of a slate of Latino candidates backed by then-Cook County Commissioner and congressional candidate Chuy García.[10] She was also endorsed by a number of local elected officials, labor unions, and progressive organizations, including U.S. Representative Luis Gutiérrez, aldermen Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and Roberto Maldonado, Chicago Teachers Union, Illinois AFL–CIO, SEIU Healthcare and Local 73, United Working Families, and Our Revolution Illinois.[11] Ramirez won a four-way Democratic primary election on March 20 with 48% of the vote, and ran uncontested in the general election on November 6, 2018.[5]

Illinois House of Representatives

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After the 2018 general election, retiring incumbent Cynthia Soto resigned effective December 18, 2018. Ramirez, the recent winner of the general election, was appointed by local Democratic leaders and sworn into office on December 21, 2018.[12] After serving the remainder of the 100th General Assembly, she was sworn into the 101st General Assembly on January 9, 2019.[2][9] She was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives Progressive Caucus.[13]

Committees

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As of July 2, 2022, Ramirez was a member of the following committees:[14]

  • Adoption & Child Welfare Committee (HACW)
  • Appropriations - Human Services Committee (HAPH)
  • Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools (HELO)
  • Executive Committee (HEXC)
  • Housing Committee (SHOU)
  • Judiciary - Criminal Committee (HJUC)
  • Medicaid & Managed Care Subcommittee (HAPH-MEDI)

Tenure

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In October 2019, Ramirez was part of a group of Democratic state legislators who opposed Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot's proposed plan for the use of a new real estate transfer tax, arguing that a portion of the funds from the new tax should be explicitly set aside to address homelessness and affordable housing.[15][16] In early 2020, Ramirez chaired a task force in the state legislature focused on the condition of children of incarcerated people.[16]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ramirez sponsored legislation to create a temporary moratorium on rent and mortgage payments and strengthen eviction moratoriums, but the bill was defeated after strong opposition from realtors.[17][18][19] However, she was able to pressure lawmakers to increase the size of a relief fund for tenants and landlords in the 2021 budget bill passed during the pandemic by 90%.[17] She also led a successful effort to include a provision that would provide Medicaid benefits to undocumented seniors in the budget bill.[20] Ramirez had been pushing for such a provision since 2019, and its successful adoption made Illinois the first state to provide Medicaid regardless of immigration status.[21][20]

In the 2021–22 session, Ramirez was named vice-chair of the newly created Housing Committee in the House, and introduced new legislation to address housing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.[22] A version of this legislation passed and signed into law in May 2021 as the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act, including provisions that created guidelines for administering $1 billion in federal funds for rent relief from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, automatically sealing evictions filed during the pandemic, extending a statewide eviction moratorium until May, and pausing judicial sales of possession until July.[23][24]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2022

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See also: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Illinois § District 3

On December 7, 2021, Ramirez announced that she would run in the 2022 U.S. House election for Illinois's 3rd congressional district.[25][26] The district was an open seat due to redistricting after the 2020 U.S. census. In the Democratic primary election, she won 66% of the vote, defeating Gilbert Villegas, a member of the Chicago City Council, and Iymen Chehade, a professor and foreign policy advisor.[27][28] The district's electorate is heavily Democratic, and as such as the Democratic nominee was widely expected to win the general election in November.[26][28][29]

Ramirez defeated Republican nominee Justin Burau in the general election, receiving 67% of the vote.[30]

2024

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Both candidates for the 3rd congressional district, Delia Ramirez and John Booras, ran uncontested during the primary and will be on the upcoming November ballot.[31]

Tenure

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Syria

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In 2023, Ramirez was among 56 Democrats to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.[32][33]

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

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Ramirez was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.[34]

Israel and Palestine

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On July 18, 2023, she voted against, along with eight other Democrats (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, André Carson, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib), a congressional non-binding resolution proposed by August Pfluger which states that “the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state", that Congress rejects "all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia" and that “the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel."[35] In a statement, Ramirez said, "The threat of antisemitism is real, it is deadly, and I wholly condemn it in the strongest terms... I believe we need to continue to work towards a world where the full humanity and rights of all Israeli and Palestinians are honored. This resolution does not do that, and therefore, I could not support it."[36]

On October 25, 2023, Ramirez and eight other Democrats (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Andre Carson, Al Green, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib), along with Republican Thomas Massie, voted against congressional bi-partisan non-binding resolution H. Res. 771 supporting Israel in the wake of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The resolution stated that the House of Representatives: "stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists" and "reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security"; the resolution passed by an overwhelming 412-10-6 margin.[37][38]

Committee assignments

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For the 118th Congress:[39]

Caucus memberships

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Personal life

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In October 2020, Delia Ramirez married Boris Hernandez. Hernandez is a DACA recipient.[43]

Ramirez is the first United Methodist Latina in Congress. She has said: "In this church, my parents have shown me and my siblings that being a Christian is much more than words and certainly much more than participating on Sundays. Being a Christian is a way of living, a way of treating people, and the way we show the light of God through our actions."[44]

Electoral history

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Illinois 4th Representative District Democratic Primary, 2018[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Delia Ramirez 7,120 47.99
Democratic Iris J. Millan 3,076 20.73
Democratic Alyx S. Pattison 2,346 15.81
Democratic Anne Shaw 2,294 15.46
Total votes 14,836 100.0
Illinois 4th Representative District General Election, 2018[46]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Delia Ramirez 31,797 99.98
Write-in 6 0.02
Total votes 31,803 100.0
Illinois 4th Representative District Democratic Primary, 2020[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Delia C. Ramirez (incumbent) 16,136 100.0
Total votes 16,136 100.0
Illinois 4th Representative District General Election, 2020[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Delia C. Ramirez (incumbent) 38,951 100.0
Total votes 38,951 100.0
Illinois 3rd Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2022[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Delia Ramirez 37,296 66.39
Democratic Gilbert Villegas 12,990 23.12
Democratic Iymen Chehade 3,719 6.62
Democratic Juan Aguirre 2,175 3.87
Total votes 56,180 100.0
2022 Illinois's 3rd congressional district election[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Delia Ramirez 121,764 68.5
Republican Justin Burau 55,995 31.5
Total votes 177,759 100.0

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kapos, Shia; Carrasco, Maria (June 2, 2020). "TRUMP's APPROACH — DID CPD DEFEND FAIRLY? — AURORA POLICE CHIEF JOINS PROTESTS". Politico. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Serrato, Jacqueline (May 10, 2018). "Housing is a top issue for the first Guatemalan-American in the Illinois legislature". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  3. ^ "PA 97-0006 Legislative District 2" (PDF). May 18, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Meet Delia". Delia Ramirez for Congress. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Delia Ramirez". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  6. ^ "Delia Ramirez". Illinois House Democratic Caucus. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  7. ^ a b CST Editorial Board (October 28, 2018). "Democratic nominee for Illinois House in the 4th District: Delia C. Ramirez". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  8. ^ "About". State Representative Delia Ramirez. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Spielman, Fran (March 21, 2018). "Brother's defeat puts a political bullseye on the back of Ald. Ed Burke". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  10. ^ Marans, Daniel (April 2, 2018). "How Chicago's Leading Latino Progressive Bested The Democratic Party Machine". HuffPost. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  11. ^ "Delia Ramirez for State Representative". Archived from the original on October 29, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  12. ^ Hollman, John (Clerk of the House) (ed.). "Resignations and Appointments" (PDF). Journal of the Illinois House of Representatives. 100 (152). Illinois House of Representatives: 6–8. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  13. ^ "House Progressive Caucus unveils agenda". Capitol Fax. February 14, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  14. ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Representative Committees". ilga.gov. Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  15. ^ "Illinois lawmakers introduce new real estate transfer tax proposal". The Real Deal Chicago. February 12, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  16. ^ a b McKinney, Maureen Foertsch (January 9, 2020). "What Can Illinois' Jails And Prisons Do To Improve The Lives Of The Children Of The Incarcerated?". NPR Illinois. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Cherone, Heather (May 26, 2020). "Ban on Evictions to Remain in Place After Bill to Waive Rent, Mortgage Payments Fails". WTTW News. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  18. ^ Black, Curits (May 19, 2020). "Emergency housing relief proposed in Illinois to stave off mass evictions, foreclosures". Chicago Reporter. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  19. ^ "Rep. Ramirez talks about the fight to secure rent and mortgage relief in state budget". WFLD. May 27, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  20. ^ a b Heather, Kade (May 27, 2020). "Illinois to become 1st state to provide Medicaid regardless of immigration status". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  21. ^ Forde, Noelle (May 28, 2020). "Illinois could become first state to provide Medicaid to noncitizens". WICS. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  22. ^ Kirsininkas, Tim (March 18, 2021). "Housing bill aims to provide additional support to renters, homeowners". Capitol News Illinois. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  23. ^ "Illinois COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act Creates Critical Protections for Renters & Homeowners". Housing Action Illinois. May 17, 2021. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  24. ^ "Leader Ramirez's Emergency Housing Assistance Passes in the Illinois House". Illinois House Democratic Caucus. March 22, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  25. ^ "Rep. Delia Ramirez announces congressional bid". CapitolFax.com. December 7, 2021. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  26. ^ a b Sweet, Lynn (December 8, 2021). "State Rep. Delia Ramirez launches congressional bid in new heavily Hispanic district in Illinois". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  27. ^ Byrne, John (April 11, 2022). "Illinois' newest Latino congressional district brings heavy competition, divided Democratic visions". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  28. ^ a b FitzPatrick, Lauren; Malagón, Elvia (June 29, 2022). "State Rep. Delia Ramirez defeats Ald. Gil Villegas in newly drawn Illinois 3rd District". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  29. ^ Vinicky, Amanda (October 29, 2021). "Illinois Lawmakers Approve New Congressional Map". WTTW. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  30. ^ "AP projects Delia Ramirez winner in 3rd Congressional District race over Justin Burau". CBS News. November 8, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  31. ^ "Illinois Primary Election Results". The New York Times. March 19, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  32. ^ "H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Syria". govtrack.us. March 8, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  33. ^ "House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria". US News & World Report. March 8, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  34. ^ Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023). "Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no". The Hill. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  35. ^ Wong, Scott; Kaplan, Rebecca; Stewart, Kyle (July 18, 2023). "House overwhelmingly passes resolution backing Israel after Rep. Jayapal calls it a 'racist state'". NBC News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  36. ^ "Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on House Passage of GOP Israel Resolution". Website of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  37. ^ Metzger, Bryan (October 25, 2023). "These 16 lawmakers did not vote for a House resolution supporting Israel after the Hamas attacks". Business Insider.
  38. ^ "H. Res 771: Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists" (PDF). docs.house.gov. October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  39. ^ "Delia C. Ramirez". Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  40. ^ "Membership". Congressional Equality Caucus. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  41. ^ "Progressive Caucus". Progressive Caucus. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  42. ^ "Membership". Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  43. ^ Shoichet, Catherine E. (January 1, 2023). "A pregnant mom crossed the Rio Grande decades ago to give her unborn child a better life. Now her daughter is becoming a member of Congress". CNN. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  44. ^ Vásquez, Gustavo (January 10, 2023). "First United Methodist Latina sworn into US Congress". UM News. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  45. ^ "Election Results 2018 GENERAL PRIMARY". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  46. ^ "Election Results 2018 GENERAL ELECTION". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  47. ^ "Election Results 2020 GENERAL PRIMARY". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  48. ^ "Election Results 2020 GENERAL ELECTION". Illinois State Board of Elections. December 4, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  49. ^ "Election Results 2022 GENERAL PRIMARY". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  50. ^ "Election Results 2022 GENERAL ELECTION". Retrieved October 26, 2024.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Delia Ramirez.
Illinois House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 4th district
2018–2023 		Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 3rd congressional district
2023–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
412th 		Succeeded by
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