Arlington Heights Trustee Sworn In As State Representative

SPRINGFIELD, IL — While she will remain in her current role as an Arlington Heights Village Board trustee through April, Mary Beth Canty was sworn in Wednesday as a new member of the Illinois House of Representatives. Canty (D-Arlington Heights) will represent Illinois House District 54 in Springfield.

"I want to express my gratitude to my neighbors for trusting me to represent their needs and interests in Springfield," Canty said in a news release. "For the last 14 years, my family has had the privilege of calling the northwest suburbs home, and I am deeply committed to giving back to our vibrant community."

According to her office, Canty plans to continue improving her community by "advocating for sound fiscal policy, fully funding public schools, and improving public safety by tackling the root causes of gun violence."

Last November, Canty won the two-year seat by in the general election by defeating Republican challenger Michelle Hunter. District 54 includes Arlington Heights and parts of Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights and Palatine.

"Collaboration is essential to the functioning of representative government, and I am eager to work with constituents and my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle to create sound policy solutions to our most pressing issues," Canty said. "There is much work to be done to improve our great state and community, but there is no challenge we cannot overcome when we work together. Today is just the beginning of our work to build a stronger Illinois."