State Senator Rachel Ventura was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois in a working class family. She proudly attended public schools and was taught the value of hard work and union labor from a young age.
Senator Ventura received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Benedictine University and an associate’s degree in Biology from Tidewater Community College in Virginia. With past experience as an actuary, naturalist, veterinary assistant, substitute teacher and business director, Ventura is ready to meet the diverse set of challenges facing Illinoisans in the State Senate.
Ventura served on the Will County Board from 2018-2022. As chair of the Public Health and Safety Committee, she focused on providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling homelessness, and expanding mental and behavioral health care. She is committed to tackling the root causes of crime rather than upholding the regressive and punitive policies of the past. Also while on the board, Ventura successfully organized for the county to adopt the Greenest Region Compact – setting forth bold green energy and sustainability goals for Will County. She also served as Vice President of the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
During her time in the Illinois Senate, Ventura has continued her advocacy for affordable housing, equitable job opportunities, consumer protections and reforming oppressive systems that harm our most vulnerable neighbors including efforts to close the wealth gap. She has spearheaded pivotal criminal justice reforms, continues to push for alternative energy sources, advocates for fair and ethical elections, Artificial Intelligence protections, and countless environmental protection measures.
During the 104th General Assembly, Ventura chairs the Human Rights Committee while serving on the Appropriations, Child Welfare, Financial Institutions, Local Government, and Public Health committees. Ventura also serves as the Illinois State Lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and was appointed to serve on the Child Frist Reform Task Force and the Public Financing of Judicial Elections Task Force.
Aside from being a full time legislator, Ventura is passionate about astrology and has worked with exotic animals including tigers and wolves. She is a published author and has been nominated for an ENNIE, an annual celebration of excellence in tabletop roleplaying gaming. Ventura is a mom to two adult daughters.
Senator Ventura represents Illinois’ 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of Bolingbrook, Channahon, Elwood, Joliet, Lockport, Romeoville, Shorewood and surrounding communities. You can read more about the 43rd Senate District here.
