Am I Giving Up My Seat as Trustee? Here’s the Truth.

Let’s not dance around it—I know people are asking:

“Didn’t you just get elected Trustee? Are you stepping down?”

The answer: No. I’m not going anywhere.

I ran for Village Trustee to serve, not to sit still. And that commitment hasn’t changed. I will finish out my term because I respect the trust this community placed in me—and because leadership, to me, means staying rooted even when stepping up.

Now, I’ve heard the concerns. Some people are disappointed, even frustrated. And I get it. I really do. It’s fair to hold elected officials accountable, and I welcome that. I’m not afraid of hard conversations—I’ve had a few already, including with folks I respect deeply. This campaign may not look like what some expected, but I promise you: it’s not about ambition. It’s about urgency.

What pushed me to run for State Senate wasn’t strategy—it was need. The truth is, the fight for housing, child welfare, mental health care, public safety, and economic justice isn’t confined to one village. And the stakes are rising. Policies coming out of D.C. are hurting the very people I’ve spent my career fighting for—working families, vulnerable youth, immigrants, people just trying to survive.

I looked around and saw a gap. No one else stepped up. So I did.

That’s how I was raised. That’s what I’ve always done. That’s what I’ll keep doing.

Will everyone agree? No. But I didn’t get where I am by playing it safe or waiting for permission. I’ve built shelters. I’ve run a multi-million dollar nonprofit. I’ve stood up to power, and I’ve held doors open for others while walking through fire myself. I’m not here to be part of a club—I’m here to break the mold.

This campaign isn’t about leaving a seat—it’s about expanding the table. About amplifying the values we fight for in Arlington Heights and bringing them to every part of our district—from Palatine to Des Plaines to Buffalo Grove and beyond.

So if you’re wondering whether I still see you, still hear you, still represent you—the answer is yes. Loud and clear.

I’m not leaving.

I’m leveling up.

And I’m bringing my whole heart, grit, and unapologetic fire with me.

Let’s keep showing up for each other. That’s what I’ll continue to do—for Arlington Heights and for all the communities in our district.