It Takes a Community — And Ours Showed The Heck Up
There are moments on the campaign trail that ground you. Friday night was one of them.
What unfolded at our recent meet & greet wasn’t about speeches or slogans—it was about connection. Neighbors gathering in a shared space. Conversations unfolding naturally. People listening to one another with curiosity, care, and a genuine desire to understand what’s at stake for our district.
That kind of space doesn’t happen by accident. It takes generosity. It takes hosts willing to open their doors and create room for community to show up as it is.
I’m incredibly grateful to those who made that night possible—and to everyone who came ready to engage, ask thoughtful questions, and share what matters most to them.
Again and again, I heard concerns that reflect the reality so many families are living right now: the rising cost of living, access to safe and affordable housing, the need for strong public schools, mental health support, and policies that treat people with dignity. These weren’t abstract issues. They were lived experiences—spoken honestly, thoughtfully, and with a deep sense of responsibility for the future of the 27th District.
As a working mom, those conversations hit close to home.
Our political system has long been structured around the idea that leadership must look a certain way—detached, uninterrupted, and often disconnected from the daily realities of caregiving, work, and community life.
But that model doesn’t serve families. It doesn’t reflect how people actually live. And it doesn’t lead to better policy.
What does? Community.
Community is where we learn what’s working—and what isn’t. It’s where accountability begins. It’s where solutions are shaped by the people who will be most impacted by them. When leadership is grounded in listening and shared responsibility, it becomes stronger, more responsive, and more humane.
Friday night reminded me that this campaign is not about one voice—it’s about many. It’s about building a movement rooted in fairness, opportunity, and care for one another. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and choosing collaboration over isolation.
That’s the kind of leadership I believe in. And that’s the kind of future I’m committed to building with you.
Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak up, and invest in the work of shaping our shared future. I’m deeply grateful to be on this journey with you.
Let’s keep going—because together, we’re stronger.
With gratitude,
Carina Santa Maria
Candidate for Illinois State Senate, District 27