Cleopatra "Cleo" Cowley
Illinois House, 34th District, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Party: Democratic.
Campaign site (cleopatracowley34.com)
Running on
Says her top issue is community safety and that her approach is prevention-first, with investment in trauma-informed mental health services, violence interruption and youth and family support alongside accountability for offenders. Also lists economic development for small businesses and job training, equitable school funding, and access to affordable health care including trauma services. The seat is open because Rep. Nicholas Smith did not seek reelection.
Background
A trained grief counselor and public speaker who became a gun violence prevention advocate after her daughter, Hadiya Pendleton, was killed in a 2013 shooting; she has partnered with the nonprofit Advocates of Change and holds a B.S. in computer science.
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