Arlington Heights Trustee Santa Maria Wins Illinois Senate Seat

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Arlington Heights Trustee Carina Santa Maria won election to the Illinois Senate on Tuesday, defeating Republican David Mathis to succeed outgoing Democratic Sen. Mark Walker in the 27th District.

Santa Maria, a Democrat and former nonprofit CEO, received 42,601 votes to Mathis’ 22,116, according to unofficial returns showing all 116 precincts reporting.

As of approximately 11:39 a.m. Wednesday, the results showed:

"The voters of Illinois' 27th Senate District put their trust in me, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude, humility, and excitement for what’s ahead," Santa Maria said in a statement Wednesday.

"We did this. Together. What began as a belief that we could bring more compassion, common sense, and community-centered leadership to Springfield became something so much bigger than a campaign, and I am excited to get to work in Springfield."

The district encompasses all or parts of Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Prospect Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines and Wheeling. She will be sworn into office in January 2027.

Santa Maria announced her Senate candidacy in July 2025, shortly after Walker said he would not seek reelection. She had won a seat on the Arlington Heights Village Board that April, finishing second among eight candidates competing for four seats.

A licensed clinical social worker, Santa Maria said her professional experience would shape her approach in Springfield.

"As a social worker, I've spent my career listening to families, supporting them through difficult moments, and helping them find a path forward," she said Wednesday. "That perspective will guide me in the Illinois Senate. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work."

Her campaign also coincided with a leadership transition at Shelter Youth & Family Services, the Arlington Heights nonprofit she had led since 2018.

Shelter announced her planned departure in June while conducting a succession process. Her tenure ended Sept. 30, and Kristen Daniels succeeded her as CEO Oct. 1.

In her victory statement, Santa Maria also thanked her family for supporting the campaign.

"My boys have watched me chase something I believe in, and I hope they carry that lesson with them forever," she said. "You can be a mom, have big dreams, work to change the world, and bring your family along for the ride"

Election results are unofficial until certified by election authorities.